ijl^j^aij^i,    .     '  "■■■""1^ 


#^^^^^  '""Jtl-,, 

O  PPTTSrr!F.TO"PT.     N.     J.  'vO 


PRINCETON,    N.     J. 


Presented  by  Mr.  Samuel  Agnew  of  Philaddlphia,  Pa. 


Agnczv  Coll.  on  Baptism,  No. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Arcinive 

in  2011  witii  funding  from 

Princeton  Tiieoiogicai  Seminary  Library 


http://www.arcliive.org/details/minutesofpliiladeOOphil 


MINUTES 


OP   THE 


PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 


A.  D.  1707,  TO  A,  D.  1807; 


BEING  THE  FIRST 


ONE  HUNDRED  YEAES 


OF  ITS  EXISTENCE. 


EDITED   BY  A.   d/gILLETTE,   A.M. 

PASTOR  OF  THE  ELEVENTH  BAPTIST  CHTIRCH,  PHILADELPHIA. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

AMERICAN  BAPTIST   PUBLICATION  SOCIETY, 

118    ARCH     STREET. 

18  5  1. 


NOTICE. 

At  its  136th  Anniversary,  in  1843,  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Association 
appointed  a  Committee  to  collect  its  early  Minutes  for  publication.  Efforts 
were  immediately  commenced,  and  have  been  sedulously  followed  up,  till  now, 
it  is  believed,  we  have  all  that  can  be  procured. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Association,  in  1846,  A.  D.  Gillette,  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  reported,  "  That  through  the  kindness  of  Mrs.  Harris,  daughter  of 
Samuel  Jones,  D.  D. ;  Thomas  Shields,  since  deceased,  and  others,  we  have 
obtained  Minutes  of  various  Sessions  entire,  as  early  as  1729.  Deficiencies 
can  be  generally  supplied  of  antecedent  Sessions  from  the  origin  of  the  body, 
1707,  from  a  book  kept  with  great  care,  by  order  of  the  Association.  In  1777, 
there  are  no  Minutes,  the  Association  not  having  met  that  year,  on  account  of 
the  occupancy  of  Philadelphia  by  the  British  army. 

"  The  Association  ordered  that  the  Minutes  for  the  first  Century,  with  Dr.  S. 
Jones'  Centennial  Sermon,  be  published,  believing  that  they  contain  matters 
of  great  value  to  the  churches.  The  Circular  Letters,  especially,  are  a  fund 
of  rich  theology." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee,  H.  G.  Jones,  D.  D.,  was  requested  to  prepare 
a  preface,  and  A.  D.  Gillette  was  appointed  Editor,  with  instructions  to  preserve, 
as  far  as  possible,  the  ancient  style  of  composition,  as  found  in  the  original 
Minutes. 

HORATIO  G.  JONES,  1 
HOWARD  MALCOM, 
A.  D.  GILLETTE, 
WILSON  JEWELL, 
JOSEPH  TAYLOR, 
WM.  SHADRACH, 
Phiiadelphia,  May,  1851. 


Committee. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1851,  by  the 

AMERICAN  BAPTIST  PUBLICATION  SOCIETY, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  in  and  for  the  Eastern  District  of 

Pennsylvania. 


STEREOTYPED   BY   GEORGE   CHARLES. 
PRINTED   BY   KING   4   BAIRD. 


^refare. 


The  Philadelphia  Association  originated  with  churches 
planted  by  members  from  Wales.  Attracted  by  the  freedom 
of  religious  opinion  established  by  Penn,  they  purchased 
and  settled  large  tracts  of  land  as  early  as  1683.  Hence 
the  Welsh  names  so  common  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania, 
such  as  Tredijffrun,  Uchland,  Radnor,  Merion,  &c.  Many 
of  the  descendants  of  these  most  excellent  people  remain 
in  these  parts  to  this  day. 

The  first  Baptist  church  in  Pennsylvania,  permanently 
planted,  is  believed  to  be  that  at  Pennepek,  a  few  miles 
north  of  the  city.  One  had  existed  feebly  at  Coldspring, 
in  Bucks  County,  for  a  short  period,  of  which  the  father  of 
the  celebrated  Dr.  Benjamin  Rush  is  supposed  to  have  been 
a  member.  His  remains,  with  a  headstone,  lie  in  the  burial 
ground  of  this  church,  long  since  disused.  The  Welsh 
tract  church,  now  in  Delaware,  was  next  founded.  Soon 
after,  churches  arose  at  Middletown,  Piscataqua  and  Cohan- 
sie,  in  New  Jersey,  and  then  followed  the  constitution  of 
the  Philadelphia  Association,  embracing  the  churches  given 
in  the  following  record : — 

This  Association  has  maintained,  from  its  origin,  a  pro- 
minent and  important  standing  in  the  denomination.     It 


4  PREFACE. 

has  been  favored  with  the  services  of  many  distinguished 
ministers  —  men  of  eminent  piety,  solid  judgment  and 
finished  education.  Among  these  are  found  the  names  of 
Morgan  Edwards,  Abel  Morgan,  John  Gano,  Samuel  Jones, 
David  Jones,  Keach,  Griffith,  Rogers,  Ustic,  Holcombe, 
Staughton,  Brautly,  and  others,  who  have  gloriously  fought 
the  fjood  fidit. 


"O' 


In  every  period  of  its  existence  the  Association  has 
firmly  maintained  the  soundest  form  of  Scripture  doctrine ; 
nor  could  any  church  have  been  admitted,  at  any  period, 
which  denied  or  concealed  any  of  the  doctrines  of  grace. 
The  New  Testament  has  always  been  its  only  rule  of  faith 
and  practice,  as  with  all  Baj)tists,  To  let  the  world  know 
how  we  understand  the  teachings  of  the  Holy  Ghost  in 
these  inspired  books,  the  Association  published,  in  1742,  its 
Confession  of  faith  and  discipline.  This  is  in  substance  the 
same  as  that  of  the  ancient  Baptists  in  Poland  and  Bohemia; 
and  of  the  Mennonites  in  Holland,  and  the  early  Enghsh 
and  Welsh  churches.  This  confession  was  published  by 
ministers  and  brethren,  representing  about  forty  churches, 
met  in  London,  in  1689.  It  was  printed  for  the  Philadel- 
phia Association  by  Benjamin  Franklin,  and  numerous 
editions  have  since  been  issued.  Throughout  the  United 
States  it  is  generally  considered  as  the  standard  of  ortho- 
doxy among  Baptists.  It  differs  but  slightly  from  the 
Westminster  confession  of  faith  published  by  "  the  Assem- 
bly of  Divines." 

By  the  formation  of  new  churches,  this  Association 
extended  over  Virginia  and  New  York,  embracing  a  dis- 
tance of  about  400  miles,  and  including,  on  the  North,  the 


PREFACE.  0 

church  at  Amenia,  Dutchess  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  Horseneck  in 
Greenwich,  Connecticut,  on  the  East;  and  on  the  South, 
Ketockton  in  Virginia.  The  multiplication  of  churches 
caused  the  formation  of  the  Ketockton,  Baltimore,  Salis- 
bury and  Delaware  Associations,  on  the  South;  the  Shaf- 
tesbury, Warren,  Warwick,  and  New  York  Associations,  on 
the  North;  the  New  Jersey,  on  the  East;  and  Bedstone 
and  Monongahela,  on  the  West.  These  have  since  been 
frequently  divided,  as  the  churches  became  too  numerous 
to  meet  in  one  place. 

The  Philadelphia  Association,  from  the  first,  has  engaged 
earnestly  in  efforts  for  the  proper  education  of  its  ministers 
and  the  spread  of  the  gospel  in  the  world.  Bhode  Island 
College,  now  Brown  University,  received  its  patronage  and 
contributions  from  its  origin,  as  the  subsequent  minutes 
show.  It  will  be  seen  also  that,  from  the  first,  it  has  been 
an  effective  missionary  body.  Hundreds  of  churches  have 
been  gathered  by  the  able  and  self-denying  men,  sent  out  at 
its  expense  to  regions  where  no  religious  privileges  had 
before  been  enjoyed.  The  Aborigines  were  not  overlooked 
in  this  labor  of  love.  Among  other  efforts,  the  Bev.  David 
Jones,  before  the  American  Bevolution,  made  a  missionary 
excursion,  at  his  own  expense,  to  the  Indians  of  what  was 
then  the  "  Far  West." 

This  was  among  the  first,  if  not  the  very  first,  ecclesias- 
tical body  in  America,  it  is  beUeved,  which  took  a  stand  on 
the  subject  of  temperance.  The  following  is  copied  from 
the  Minutes  of  1788 : — "  This  Association,  taking  into  con- 
sideration the  ruinous  effects  of  the  great  abuse  of  distilled 
liquors  throughout  this  country,  take  this  opportunity  of 


6  PREFACE. 

expressing  our  hearty  concurrence  with  our  brethren  of 
several  other  religious  denominations,  in  discountenancing 
them  in  future,  and  earnestly  entreat  our  brethren  and 
friends  to  use  all  their  influence,  to  that  end,  both  in  their 
own  families  and  neighbourhood,  except  when  used  as  a 
medicine." 

This  was  the  first  Baptist  Association  formed  in  the 
United  States.  From  its  earliest  history  it  has  been  for- 
ward in  the  work  of  Domestic  Missions.  The  pastors 
were  requested,  and  the  churches  urged,  to  be  liberal  in 
aiding  them  to  visit  destitute  churches  and  settlements. 
Morgan  Edwards,  in  1771,  and  John  Gano,  afterwards,  were 
appointed  "Evangelists,"  and  sent  into  remote  regions, 
especially  South,  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  counsel  the 
feeble  churches,  and  instruct  the  scattered  disciples  of 
Christ.  The  design  of  founding  Rhode  Island  College 
originated  in  this  body.  P.  P.  Vanhorn,  Stephen  Ustic, 
and  Charles  Thompson,  were  students  in  this  institution ;  as 
were  also  William  Rogers  and  Burges  Allison,  Doctors  of 
l)ivinity. 

As  early  as  1722,  "it  was  proposed  for  the  churches  to 
make  inquiry  among  themselves,  if  they  have  any  young 
]3ersons  hopeful  for  the  ministry,  and  inclinable  for  learn- 
ing; and  if  they  have,  to  give  notice  of  it  to  Mr.  Abel 
Morgan,  before  the  first  of  November,  that  he  might  recom- 
mend such  to  the  Academy,  on  Mr.  Hollis,  his  account." 

"  1776.  Concluded  to  raise  a  sum  of  money  among  our 
churches  for  the  encouragement  of  a  Latin  grammar  school, 
Mr.  Isaac  Eaton  to  be  master  thereof." 


PREFACE.  7 

"1764.  Agreed  to  inform  the  churches  to  which  we 
respectively  belong,  that,  inasmuch  as  a  charter  is  obtained 
in  Rhode  Island  government,  toward  erecting  a  Baptist 
college,  the  churches  should  be  liberal  in  contributing 
towards  carrjdng  the  same  into  execution." 

"1776.  Agreed  to  recommend  warmly  to  our  churches  the 
interests  of  the  college,  for  which  a  subscription  is  opened 
all  over  the  Continent:  this  college  hath  been  set  on  foot 
upwards  of  a  year,  and  has  now  in  it  three  promising 
youths,  under  the  tuition  of  President  Manning." 

The  publication  of  useful  books,  for  general  circulation, 
was  suggested,  in  1749,  by  the  following: — 

"  Concluded,  that  every  church  belonging  to  this  Asso- 
ciation should  consider  that  our  principles  are  attacked 
anew,  and  monstrously  rejDresented ;  therefore,  in  order  to 
our  vindicating  and  justifying  the  same,  money  may  be 
gathered  in  every  congregation,  in  readiness  against  the 
next  Association ;  and  we  hope  timely  notice  shall  be  given 
both  of  the  number  of  the  books  to  be  printed,  and  what 
the  charge  shall  be  to  print  them." 

The  reader  of  these  minutes  will  see  that  the  Divine 
blessing  has  rested  on  this  band  of  disciples.  At  its  com- 
mencement there  were  but  about  five  hundred  souls  enrolled 
on  its  register.  Now  the  denomination  embraces  nearly  a 
million  of  communicants.  At  first,  five  churches  consti- 
tuted the  body :  now  there  are  sixty-four,  though  a  host  of 
churches  have  been  dismissed  to  form  other  Associations, 
and  our  geographical  limits  are  scarcely  more  than  the 
hundredth  part  of  the  first  boundary. 


8  PREFACE. 

With  the  growth  of  the  body,  evangelical  efforts  have 
correspondingly  increased,  till  the  world  has  become  its 
field,  and  large  sums  are  annually  raised  to  send  out  mis- 
sionaries, translate  and  distribute  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
educate  ministers,  multiply  books  and  tracts,  and  extend 
all  other  divinely  appointed  means  of  grace. 

H.  G.  JONES. 


AN 

ASSOCIATION   BOOK, 

CONTAINING 

A  BEIEF  ACCOUNT 


BEGINNING   AND   PROGRESS   OP   THE   CHURCHES   HOLDING   AND   PRACTISING   ADULT 
BAPTISM,  AND   COMMONLY  CALLED    BAPTISTS,  IN    PENNSYLVANIA  AND  THE 
JERSIES;    NOW  ANNUALLY  ASSOCIATING  AT  PHILADELPHIA  :    WITH 
THE     TIME    WHEN,    AND     THE     PERSONS     BY    WHOM     EACH 
CHURCH  WAS   SETTLED,  AND  WHO  WERE   THE  MIN- 
ISTERS THAT  LABORED  AMONG  THEM  IN 
EACH   CHURCH. 

TOaETHER  ALSO 

WITH  AN  ACCOUNT 


SEVERAL  AFFAIRS  THAT  CAME  TO  BE  CONSIDERED  BY  THE  ASSOCIATION,  SINCE  IT 
WAS  SETTLED,  AS  FAR  AS  THE  MINUTES  OF  THE  SAME  COULD  BE  FOUND. 

COLLECTED  PURSUANT  TO  AN  ORDER  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION, 
CONVENED  SEPTEMBER  19,  ANNO  DOMINI,  1749, 


Note. — The  above  notice  and  the  following  records  are  gathered  from  minutes  kept  in 
compliance  with  an  order  of  the  Association,  by  Benjamin  Griffith,  down  to  1760.  After  this, 
Morgan  Edwards  was  probably  the  scribe,  as  the  records  axe  in  his  remarkably  legible  hand- 
writing so  late  as  1799. — Ed. 


A  BRIEF  NARRATIVE 

OF  THE  CHURCHES   HOLDING  BELIEVERS'  BAPTISM, 

IN    PENNSYLVANIA   AND    THE    JERSEYS. 


THE  CHUKCH  AT  LOWER  DUBLIN, 

IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  PROVINCE  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

By  the  providence  of  God,  several  persons  from  Radnorshire,  in 
Wales,  being  baptized,  upon  profession  of  faith,  members  of  a  meet- 
ing, in  the  parish  of  Llanddowi,  Henry  Gregory,  pastor,  came  over 
into  this  province  and  settled  near  Pennepek  Creek.  In  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1687,  came  Mr.  Elias  Keach,  son  of  Mr.  Benjamin 
Keach,  of  London,  and  preached  unto  the  people  there  and  at  parts 
adjacent;  at  or  about  which  time  the  above  said  persons,  by  name 
John  Eaton,  George  Eaton,  Samuel  Jones,  and  John  Watts,  with 
others  baptiz-ed  by  the  said  Elias  Keach,  agreed,  by  the  advice  of 
the  said  Mr.  Keach,  to  set  a  day  apart,  and  by  fasting  and  prayer 
to  settle  themselves  in  a  church  state ;  which  when  they  had  solemnly 
accomphshed,  they  made  choice  of  the  said  Keach  to  be  their  pastor. 

In  the  year  1692,  Mr.  Keach  went  home  to  England,  and  the 
church  called  the  above  named  John  Watts  to  be  their  minister. 
Samuel  Jones  and  others  were  called  to  exercise  their  gifts,  and  to 
preach  at  home,  while  their  minister  went  abroad.  At  this  time,  the 
church  had  several  distant  places  to  meet  in  by  appointment,  as 
at  Philadelphia,  Burlington,  &c.,  where  several  persons  that  were 
members  of  the  church  resided,  and  they  held  their  communion  at 
the  Lord's  table  at  these  several  places;  and  by  means  of  those 
gifted  brethren  their  meeting  at  Pennepek  was  constantly  supplied. 

In  the  year  1702,  Mr.  Watts  died ;  and  the  public  work  lay  upon 
Samuel  Jones,  John  Hart,  and  Evan  Morgan,  who,  with  the  assistance 
of  Thomas  Griffith  and  others,  carried  on  the  work  in  town,  and  in 
the  country,  for  a  while. 

In  the  year  1706,  Samuel  Jones  and  Evan  Morgan  were  set  apart 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry  by  ordination,  Messrs.  Thomas  KilHngs- 
worth,  Thomas  Griffith,  and  Elisha  Thomas,  assisting. 

11 


12  NARRATIVE    OF   THE    CHURCHES 

In  the  year  1708,  Joseph  Wood  was  ordained  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  with  Samuel  Jones  and  Evan  Morgan.  In  the  year  1709, 
on  the  16th  of  February,  Evan  Morgan  departed  this  life. 

In  the  year  1710,  in  December,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Jenkins,  from 
Carmarthenshire,  in  South  Wales,  arrived  at  Philadelphia ;  he  being 
an  ordained  minister,  was  received  as  such,  and  laboured  in  the 
exercise  of  his  function,  at  Philadelphia  and  Pennepek,  with  the 
other  brethren,  till  the  summer  following,  when  he  removed  to 
Cape  May. 

In  the  year  1711,  in  April,  came  Thomas  Selby  from  Ireland,  but 
was  not  ordained ;  and  after  causing  a  great  deal  of  trouble  by  his 
ill  behaviour,  he  went  away  to  Carolina  in  1712. 

In  1711,  came  Mr.  John  Burrows,  from  Taunton  In  the  West  of 
England,  and  being  an  ordained  minister,  did  exercise  at  Phila- 
delphia, to  the  satisfaction  of  all  well  disposed  Christians,  till  he 
removed  to  Middletown,  1713. 

In  the  year  1712,  about  the  middle  of  February,  came,  pur- 
suant to  letters  of  invitation  from  the  Church  of  Philadelphia  and 
Pennepek,  Mr.  Abel  Morgan,  being  an  ordained  minister,  and  had 
the  care  of  a  church  at  Blaene  Gwent,  in  South  Wales,  many  years 
before  he  came  over  to  this  province,  and  was  afterwards  chosen 
pastor  of  the  church;  and  so  continued  till  he  departed  this 
life,  which  was  on  the  16th  of  December,  1722 ;  Mr.  Samuel  Jones 
being  departed  in  the  year  1721,  February  3.  After  the  decease  of 
the  said  pastor,  this  church  at  Philadelphia  and  Pennepek  were 
destitute  of  an  ordained  minister,  and  had  among  themselves  no 
ministerial  supply  but  Mr.  William  Kinnersly,  who  was  a  gifted 
brother,  and  very  useful,  regular  man ;  but  being  both  aged  and 
having  several  bodily  infirmities,  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones  came  from  the 
church  at  Welsh  Tract,  in  Newcastle  county,  to  be  their  minister, 
which  was  in  the  year  1726 ;  and  after  some  time  of  continuance 
with  the  said  church,  Mr.  Jones  was  unanimously  chosen  to  be  their 
pastor,  and  so  continued  until  the  year  1746,  when  the  brethren 
residing  in  Philadelphia  requested  a  dismission  from  the  church  at 
Pennepek,  in  order  to  incorporate  a  distinct  church;  which  being 
granted,  Mr.  Jones  was  dismissed  with  the  other  city  members ;  at 
and  before  which  time,  Mr.  Peter  Peterson  Vanhorn  and  some  others 
were  upon  trial  for  the  ministry. 

In  the  year  of  our  Lord  1747,  the  church  at  Pennepek  made 
choice  of  the  above  named  Peter  Peterson  Vanhorn  to  officiate  among 
them  in  the  work  of  the  ministry ;  and  accordingly  appointed  a  day  of 
fasting  and  prayer,  being  the  18th  of  June,  in  the  year  aforesaid. 
After  solemn  prayers  unto  God,  and  a  sermon  suitable  to  the  occasion, 
preached  by  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones,  they  proceeded  to  the  ordination  of 
the  said  person,  having  called  to  their  assistance  their  former  minis- 
ter, Mr.  Jenkin  Jones,  and  Benjamin  Griffith,  John  Davis,  and  Joshua 
Potts,  who,  by  solemn  prayer  to  God,  laid  their  hands  upon  him, 
and  afterwards  gave  him  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  as  a  minister 
of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ. 


HOLDING   believers'    BAPTISM.  13 

THE   CHURCH   AT  PISCATAQUA. 

IN   NEW   JERSEY. 

About  the  year  1686,  Mr.  Thomas  Killingsworth  first  planted  or 
settled  this  church,  and  preached  the  gospel  to  them  a  considerable 
time.  After  his  removal,  the  church  had  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel 
administered  among  them  until  the  year  1715;  about  which  time 
Mr.  Drake  was  ordained,  and  he  continued  to  preach  and  to  adminis- 
ter the  ordinances  until  about  the  year  1729 ;  and  then,  by  reason 
of  his  great  age,  he  desisted  preaching,  but  continued  to  administer 
the  ordinances.  About  that  time,  Henry  Lovall,  from  New  England, 
came  among  them,  who  preached  for  the  space  of  two  years  upon 
trial,  and  then  was  ordained,  but  never  administered  the  ordinances  ; 
for,  soon  after  his  ordination,  he  behaved  himself  in  so  disorderly 
a  manner  that  he  was  excommunicated  from  the  church. 

About  which  time,  Mr.  Benjamin  Stelle  was  called  to  preach  among 
them,  and  was  approved  and  set  apart  by  solemn  ordination. 

Their  number,  when  first  settled,  was  no  more  than  six  persons, 
and  continued  very  small  for  the  space  of  twenty  years,  and  then 
began  to  increase,  and  came  to  be  about  twenty  in  number,  and  is 
since  increased  to  upwards  of  one  hundred. 

The  above  account  was  sent  by  Mr.  Stelle,  1746. 


>*^^,^^^#^^^^SfVS. 


THE   CHURCH  AT  MIDDLETOWN. 

Though  there  is  no  particular  record  of  the  time  when,  nor  the 
manner  how,  the  baptized  believers  at  Middletown  did  incorporate, 
yet  it  appears  there  were  several  Baptists  in  those  parts  from  the 
first  settling  of  the  land;  for  in  the  year  1687,  when  the  church  of 
Lower  Dublin  did  incorporate,  it  is  recorded  that  the  brethren  there 
did  advise  the  brethren  at  Middletown  to  incorporate  likewise ;  and 
it  is  remembered  that  James  Aston  and  James  Brown  were  teaching 
elders  among  them,  at  first  planting ;  and  about  the  year  1690,  Mr. 
Elias  Keach  lived  one  year  amongst  them,  and  preached  to  them: 
Mr.  Thomas  Killingsworth  also  visited  them.  In  times  following, 
there  happened  a  grievous  contention,  and  thereupon  a  division, 
among  them  of  Middletown;  and  in  the  year  1712,  other  churches 
sent  to  assist  them  several  ministers  and  messengers,  viz. :  Timothy 
Brooks,  Abel  Morgan,  Joseph  Wood,  Elisha  Thomas,  Nicolas  Johnson, 
Griffith  Miles,  James  James,  Edward  Church,  William  Bettrig,  and 
John  Manners ;  who,  being  called  by  them,  and  sent  by  the  other 
churches,  being  come  among  them,  Avere  desirous  to  undertake  the 
deciding  of  matters  of  difference  between  them.  Accordingly  they 
did;  and  among  other  things  it  was  judged,  that  to  the  intent  to 
bring  things  into  right  order,  they  should  subscribe  to  Elias  Reach's 


14  NARRATIVE  OF  THE  CHURCHES 

Confession  of  Faith,  at  least  to  the  Covenant  annexed  to  it ;  and  in 
case  that  all  could  not  find  freedom  to  subscribe  the  said  Confession 
and  Covenant,  that  if  such  a  number  as  might  act  as  a  church  should 
do  so,  such  should  be  deemed,  and  be  really  owned,  the  only  regular 
Baptist  Church  in  those  parts ;  and  the  said  persons  advised  further, 
that  such  as  could  not  subscribe  should  be  dealt  tenderly  with ;  and 
accordingly.  Anno  1712,  forty-two  did  subscribe,  and  twenty-six  did 
not-  Upon  this  Constitution,  or  Restoration,  the  Church  at  Middle- 
town  hitherto  stands. 

In  the  year  1713,  Mr.  John  Burrows  came  to  be  their  minister, 
and  continued  their  minister  during  his  life.  Sometime  after  his 
death,  George  Eaglesfield  preached  among  them  till  he  died.  In  the 
year  1739,  Mr.  John  Coward  was  called  to  exercise  his  gifts  upon 
trial,  who  preached  chiefly  at  Crosswicks,  and  still  does  among  the 
brethren  members  of  the  church  at  Middletown.  In  the  year  1739, 
Abel  Morgan,  from  the  Welsh  Tract,  at  the  request  of  the  Church 
of  Middletown,  came  to  serve  them  in  the  gospel  ministry,  and  is  now 
living.  As  this  church  meets  in  two  distant  places,  viz.,  at  Middle- 
town  and  Crosswicks,  the  Lord's  Supper  is  observed  in  each  place, 
once  in  two  months  alternately :  one  month  in  the  one  place,  and  the 
other  month  in  the  other  place. 


'-s/v,/^s/>>^#y.^^^ 


THE   CHURCH  AT  COHANSIE. 

The  chui'ch  of  baptized  believers  at  Cohansie  was  first  planted  and 
settled  by  Mr.  Thomas  Killingsworth,  about  the  year  1690,  (as  may 
be  gathered  from  a  paragraph  in  Pennepek  Church  Book,  page  the 
7th,)  who  laboured  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  at  Cohansie,  Salem, 
and  Penn's  Neck,  till  he  departed  this  life,  which  was  in  the  year 
1709 ;  before  which  time,  Mr.  Timothy  Brooks,  from  New  England, 
being  in  those  parts,  and  had  kept  a  separate  meeting,  on  account 
of  some  difference  between  them  in  some  points.  After  Mr.  Killings- 
worth's  decease,  they  united,  and  Mr.  Brooks  became  their  minister, 
and  continued  several  years  with  them,  even  till  he  was  removed 
by  death.  After  his  decease,  this  church  requested  of  the  chnrch  at 
Cape  May,  and  obtained  assistance  once  a  month  for  some  time. 
About  that  time,  William  Butcher,  a  very  hopeful  young  man,  from 
Chester  county,  in  Pennsylvania,  married  a  wife,  at  Cohansie,  and 
settled  there,  and  preached  among  them,  and  was  there  ordained, 
and  did  ofiiciate  in  the  ministry,  to  their  great  satisfaction,  for  about 
two  years,  and  then  was  removed  by  death;  whereupon  the  church 
renewed  their  request  to  Cape  May,  and  Mr.  Nathaniel  Jenkins 
supplied  them  again,  as  formerly,  for  several  years ;  and  Mr.  Jenkins, 
finding  great  success,  by  the  blessing  of  God  on  his  monthly  visits  at 
Cohansie,  and  his  people  at  the  Cape  declining,  very  many  removed 
by  death,  in  the  great  sickness  that  God  visited  those  with,  and  many 
others  removed  to  remote  parts;  and  others  some,  to  become  care- 


HOLDING  believers'  BAPTISM.  15 

less  and  others  disorderly;  lie  thought  his  call  to  Cohansie  to  be 
clear,  and  therefore  removed  there ;  at  the  same  time  resolved  to  visit 
the  people  at  the  Cape  as  often  as  he  could ;  and  so  continues, 
though  now  grown  aged  and  his  strength  declining,  yet  expresses 
his  thankfulness  to  God  that  he  sees  some  growing  gifts  that  are  like 
to  be  useful  when  he  is  called  home. 

This  account  was  sent  by  Mr.  Nathaniel  Jenkins,  in  1746,  and 
things  remain  in  the  same  station  in  1749. 


'*-^S/S/S/^-^'^ 


THE  CHURCH  AT  THE  WELSH  TRACT, 

IN   THE    COUNTY   OF  NEWCASTLE   UPON   DELAWARE. 

This  church  was  constituted  in  Pembrokeshire,  in  South  Wales,  in 
the  year  1701,  at  which  time  the  first  members  of  this  church  were 
about  to  come  over  into  Pennsylvania ;  they  then,  by  the  advice  and 
counsel  of  the  churches  they  came  from,  in  Pembrokeshire  and  Car- 
mathenshire,  entered  into  a  church  covenant,  and  state  their  number 
was  sixteen  persons ;  and  among  them  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas 
Griffith,  to  be  their  minister.  After  their  arrival  in  this  country, 
they  lived,  near  two  years,  near  Pennepek  and  the  parts  adjacent ; 
keeping  together  and  meeting,  as  they  were  a  distinct  church,  and 
had  considerable  addition  to  their  number.  In  the  year  1703,  they 
removed  and  settled  at  the  Welsh  Tract  aforesaid,  and  continued 
successful:  and  the  said  Mr.  Griffith  continued  with  them  until  he 
died,  which  was  on  the  25th  of  August,  Anno  Domini  1725 :  during 
which  time,  several  able  gifted  ministers  were  raised,  by  the  blessing 
of  God,  in  the  said  church;  they  were  Elisha  Thomas  and  Enoch 
Morgan,  both  members  when  the  said  church  was  first  constituted ; 
the  said  Elisha  Thomas  was  chosen  pastor  of  the  church,  and  after 
were  Jenkin  Jones,  who  removed  to  Philadelphia,  and  Owen  Thomas. 
In  the  year  1730,  Elisha  Thomas  died,  and  the  said  church  continued 
under  the  ministry  of  the  said  Mr.  Enoch  Morgan  and  Mr.  Owen 
Thomas ;  during  which  time,  God  raised  up  other  two  in  the  said 
church ;  viz.,  Mr.  Abel  Morgan,  who  since  removed  to  Middletown,  in 
East  Jersey,  and  Mr.  David  Davis.  On  the  25th  of  March,  1740, 
died  the  said  Enoch  Morgan,  and  the  church  continues  under  the 
ministry  of  the  said  Owen  Thomas  and  David  Davis. 

This  narrative  sent  by  the  Rev.  Owen  Thomas,  A.  D.  1746,  and 
they  continue,  as  above  last  related,  in  the  year  1749. 

N.  B.  That  this  church  appears  to  be  very  regular  in  its  first 
Bettlement,  and  hath  been  the  best  supplied  with  ministers  of  any 
church  belonging  to  this  Association. 


16  NAERATIVE  OF  THE  CHURCHES 

THE  CHURCH  AT  THE  GREAT  VALLEY,  OR  TREDIFFRUN, 

IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  CHESTER,  PA. 

In  or  about  the  years  1701  and  1702,  some  persons  of  our  deno- 
mination came  from  South  Wales,  members  at  Rhydwillym,  John 
Jenkins,  pastor ;  settled  in  these  parts,  and  being  but  few  and  desti- 
tute of  ministerial'  helps,  they  made  application  to  the  church  at  the 
Welsh  Tract ;  and  as  a  branch  of  that  church  were  supplied  by  their 
ministers,  and  being  increased  by  some  additions,  by  the  blessing  of 
God  on  means  among  them ;  in  the  year  1710,  several  persons  that 
were  members  at  Rhydwillym  aforesaid,  and  other  places,  came  into 
the  province  and  settled  in  that  neighbourhood.  In  the  year  1711, 
they  were  advised  to  put  themselves  in  church  order  by  themselves, 
for  they  were  far  distant  from  other  churches,  and  especially  from 
the  Welsh  Tract,  where  hitherto  they  belonged  as  a  branch  of  that 
church.  Accordingly,  in  the  month  of  April,  1711,  a  day  was  set 
apart,  by  fasting  and  prayer,  to  accomplish  this  solemn  work,  having 
for  their  assistance  Mr.  Elisha  Thomas,  and  others  from  the  Welsh 
Tract  church,  and  after  solemn  prayers  to  God  for  his  blessing,  they 
gave  themselves  to  God,  and  to  one  another  in  the  Lord,  according 
to  2  Cor.  viii.  5,  and  had  a  right  hand  of  fellowship  as  a  sister  church ; 
and  at  the  same  time  did  unanimously  choose  Hugh  Davis,  an  ordained 
minister,  from  South  Wales,  to  be  their  minister,  who  is  yet  living, 
but  past  acting  by  reason  of  age.  In  the  year  17 — ,  John  Davis, 
after  due  trial  of  his  gifts,  was  called  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  by 
solemn  ordination,  and  is  still  their  minister. 

This  church  assembled  chiefly,  for  many  years,  at  the  dwelling 
house  of  Richard  Miles,  in  the  township  of  Radnor,  and  afterward, 
for  the  convenience  of  the  generality  of  the  congregation,  they  built 
a  meeting-house  in  the  township  of  Trediffrun,  in  the  said  county  of 
Chester. 


»*y\^#/.'^'^#^^*^ 


THE  CHURCH  AT  CAPE  MAT. 

There  were  some  Baptists  at  that  place  almost  as  soon  as  that 
county  was  settled.  Most  knowing  and  noted  was  Mr.  George 
Taylor,  who  used  to  exhort  and  pray  with  such  as  came  to  his  house 
to  him.  In  process  of  time,  Mr.  George  Eaglesfield  came  there, 
and  preached  to  them  for  some  years;  but  he  not  endeavouring 
to  gather  a  church,  the  few  enlightened  of  their  duty  disliked  him. 
Some  of  them  went  to  Philadelphia  and  were  baptized  there,  and  got 
acquainted  with  the  Rev.  Thomas  Griffith,  an  aged  and  first  minister 
of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Welsh  Tract,  and  requested  him  to  give 
them  a  visit,  which  he  did,  and  tarried  with  them  about  half  a  year, 


HOLDING   believers'  BAPTISM.  17 

and  baptized  several  persons;  and  because  he  could  not  tarry  longer, 
he  departed,  well  respected.  He  directed  them  where  and  to  whom 
to  make  application  for  a  minister  to  settle  amongst  them,  there 
being  some  from  Wales  arrived  in  Pennsylvania;  and  Nathaniel 
Jenkins,  having  left  Philadelphia  and  moved  to  Pennepek,  with  an 
intent  to  settle,  but  had  not,  to  him  then  and  to  the  church  they 
made  their  request,  and  he  first  gave  them  a  visit  early  in  the  Spring, 
Anno  Domini  1712 ;  and  they  requested  him  to  come  and  settle  among 
them ;  which  call  he  accepted,  and  in  the  month  of  May  moved  to 
the  Cape.  And  towards  the  end  of  June,  in  the  same  year,  1712, 
the  members,  with  the  said  minister,  having  sent  for  Mr.  Brooks,  of 
Cohansie,  and  some  others,  to  assist  them,  they  were  settled  and 
constituted  a  particular  church  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  owned  as  a  sister 
church  by  those  then  present.  The  said  Mr.  Jenkins  continued  with 
them  several  years ;  but  having  little  success,  after  a  few  years  at 
first,  Mr.  Jenkins,  for  reasons  mentioned  at  pages  14-15,  removed 
to  Cohansie,  but  continued  visiting  the  Capes  as  often  as  he  could; 
and  about  1743,  he,  seeing  some  new  life  again  stirring,  encouraged 
some  young  ministers  to  visit  them,  and  to  see  if  they  could  reap 
any  fruit  of  the  seed  formerly  sown  there.  The  first  that  he  pre- 
vailed with  to  go  was  Mr.  Abel  Morgan.  Mr.  Jenkins  acquainted 
him  that  there  was  a  relick  of  a  well  founded  church  there;  if  he 
found  lively  stones  to  build  upon  it;  and  afterwards,  Mr.  Jenkin 
Jones,  Mr.  David  Davis,  Mr.  Thomas  Davis,  besides  Mr.  Jenkins, 
visited  and  baptized  many :  so  they  are  now  a  competent  number  of 
warm  and  loving  disciples,  and  have  one  of  themselves  to  be  their 
minister,  viz.,  Nathaniel  Jenkins,  eldest  son  of  their  former  minister, 
to  their  good  content  and  great  satisfaction. 


•*^Ar^N^^-«^  "^^W 


THE  CHURCH  AT  HOPEWELL. 

Several  persons  of  the  denomination  of  Baptists  settled  in  and 
about  Hopewell,  in  Jersey ;  some  of  them  members  of  the  Baptist 
church  of  Middletown,  and  others  members  at  Philadelphia  and  Pen- 
nepek ;  and  being  remote  from  those  churches,  it  was  thought  more 
for  their  benefit  to  be  settled  in  a  church-state  by  themselves,  and 
accordingly  they  obtained  dismissions  from  the  said  churches,  and 
the  assistance  of  their  ministers  and  elders,  by  name  Mr.  Abel  Mor- 
gan, Mr.  John  Burrows,  Mr.  Griffith  Miles,  Mr.  Joseph  Todd,  and 
Mr.  William  Kinnersly;  and  on  the  22d  day  of  April,  1715,  being 
a  day  appointed  by  fasting  and  prayer,  they  entered  into  a  church 
covenant,  and  were  owned  a  sister  church,  the  number  of  persons 
being  fifteen  or  sixteen,  as  appears  by  Pennepek  Church  Book, 
page  55.  This  church  was  afterwards  visited  chiefly  by  the  said 
Abel  Morgan,  John  Burrows,  and  Joseph  Wood,  until  1721,  when 
Thomas  Symmons  came  among  them,  and  preached  to  them  about 

3 


18  NARRATIVE  OF  THE  CHURCHES 

two  years,  tlien  removed  to  Carolina ;  and,  after  tliis,  Mr.  Eaglesfield 
preached  there  once  a  month,  and  others  visited  them  at  times.  In 
the  year  1727,  they  requested  assistance  from  the  church  at  Mont- 
gomery, and  obtained  Benjamin  Griffith  to  visit  them  alternatively 
one  month  and  Joseph  Eaton  another,  for  some  time,  and  Joseph 
Eaton  continued  to  supply  them  several  years.  About  the  year 
1741,  Thomas  Davis,  from  the  Great  Valley,  came,  and  settled  with 
tliem  about  three  years ;  and  some  time  afterwards,  James  Carman 
and  Benjamin  Miller  visited  them.  Malachia  Bonham  also  preached 
among  them  in  the  year  1748.  Isaac  Eaton,  from  the  church  of 
Southampton,  removed  to  the  church  at  Hopewell,  and  being  approved, 
■was  there  ordained  to  be  their  minister;  and  their  number  is  now 
esteemed  one  hundred  and  twelve. 

This  narrative  dated  December  26,  1749. 


►^>##<' 


THE  CHURCH  NEAR  BRANDYWINE. 

There  being  divers  persons  in  the  townships  of  Providence,  Bur- 
ningham,  and  the  parts  adjacent  that  were  baptized ;  some  of  them 
members  of  the  church  at  Philadelphia,  others  elsewhere,  and  some 
of  them  were  of  the  number  that  in  the  year  1690  had  in  some  man- 
ner joined  with  those  of  Salem,  &c.,  under  the  ministry  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Killingsworth ;  these,  on  the  14th  day  of  June,  Anno  Domini 
1715,  at  a  meeting  for  that  purpose  appointed  at  the  dwelling-house 
of  John  Powell,  in  Providence  aforesaid,  in  the  county  of  Chester, 
in  the  province  of  Pennsylvania,  having  for  their  assistance  and 
direction  the  Rev.  Mr.  Abel  Morgan,  of  Philadelphia,  and  some  bre- 
thren from  the  church  at  the  Welsh  Tract,  were  constituted  and 
settled  in  Gospel  church,  ordered,  and  owned,  and  declared  as  a 
sister  church;  and  they,  having  no  ministerial  helps  among  them- 
selves, depended  altogether  upon  the  assistance  they  could  obtain 
from  sister  churches.  In  1717,  they  concluded,  for  the  better  con- 
venience of  most  of  the  members,  to  keep  their  meetings  chiefly 
in  the  township  of  Burningham ;  and  so  continued  till  the  year  1741 ; 
and  then  agreed  to  keep  monthly  meetings  alternately ;  one  month 
at  Burningham,  and  the  other  month  in  the  township  of  Newlin,  in 
the  same  county,  for  the  convenience  of  many  of  the  members 
removed  thither.  About  a  year  after,  they  thought  proper  to  settle 
their  monthly  meetings  altogether  to  the  aforesaid  township  of 
Newlin.  They  have  been,  since  their  first  settling  at  Burningham, 
in  1717,  assisted  with  ministerial  helps  from  the  sister  church  at  the 
Welsh  Tract,  and  continue  to  be  thence  assisted  hitherto. 

Dated,  1749. 


HOLDING   BELIEVEKS'  BAPTISM.  19 

THE  CHURCH  AT  MONTGOMERY, 

IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  PHILADELPHIA. 

In  the  year  1710,  John  Evans,  and  Sarah,  his  wife,  from  a  church 
in  Carmarthenshire,  in  South  Wales,  (James  James,  minister,)  came 
over  and  settled  in  Montgomery  aforesaid..  In  1711,  came  John 
James,  and  Elizabeth,  his  wife,  from  Pembrokeshire,  members  of  the 
church  at  Rhydwillym,  (John  Jenkins,  minister,)  and  settled  in  the 
same  neighbourhood.  After  some  time,  Mr.  Abel  Morgan  visited 
them,  and  preached  to  as  many  as  came  to  hear,  at  the  house  of 
John  Evans ;  and  after  his  visiting  for  some  time,  as  often  as  he  could, 
several  persons  were  proposed  for  baptism,  which  was  administered  by 
Mr.  Morgan.  In  the  year  1719,  it  was  moved  to  them  either  to 
join  with  some  neighbouring  church,  as  that  of  Pennepek,  being 
the  nighest,  or  to  be  settled  in  gospel  order  as  a  distinct  church  by 
themselves.  Upon  which  they  consulted,  and  concluded,  by  reason 
of  the  distance  of  place  and  diversity  of  language,  they  understand- 
ing very  little  English,  to  be  rather  a  church  by  themselves.  Their 
conclusion  being  approved  by  Mr.  Morgan,  a  day  was  set  apart  for 
the  solemnizing  of  this  great  work,  being  the  20th  day  of  June,  1719  ; 
and  Mr.  Abel  Morgan,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Jones,  being  present  to  assist 
and  direct  in  the  Avork  of  the  day,  the  first  part  being  spent  in  fast- 
ing and  prayer,  with  a  sermon  preached  by  Mr.  Morgan,  suitable 
to  the  occasion,  they  proceeded.  Being  asked  whether  they  were 
desirous  and  freely  willing  to  settle  together  as  a  church  of  Jesus 
Christ,  they  all  answered  in  the  affirmative;  and  being  asked  whether 
they  were  acquainted  with  one  another's  principles,  and  satisfied  with 
one  another's  graces  and  conversation,  it  was  also  answered  in  the 
affirmative ;  and  then  for  a  demonstration  of  their  giving  of  them- 
selves up,  severally  and  jointly,  to  the  Lord,  as  a  people  of  God  and 
a  church  of  Jesus  Christ,  they  all  lifted  up  their  right  hand.  Then 
were  they  directed  to  take  one  another  by  the  hand,  in  token  of  their 
union,  declaring,  at  the  same  time,  that  as  they  had  given  themselves 
to  God,  so  they  did  give  themselves  also  to  one  another  by  the  will  of 
God,  2  Cor.  viii.  5,  to  be  a  church  according  to  the  gospel ;  to  wor- 
ship God  and  maintain  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  according  to 
their  ability,  and  to  edify  one  another.  Then  were  they  pronounced 
and  declared  to  be  a  church  of  Jesus  Christ ;  a  right  hand  of  fellow- 
ship was  given  to  them  as  a  sister  church,  with  exhortations  and 
instructions  suitable  to  the  station  and  relation  they  now  stood  in ; 
and  the  whole  was  finished  with  solemn  prayer  to  God  for  a  blessing 
on  the  work  of  the  day.     Their  number,  nine  or  ten  persons. 

Mr.  Morgan  continued  to  visit  them,  and  administer  the  ordi- 
nances among  them ;  they  were  also  supplied  by  Mr,  Elisha  Thomas, 
and  other  ministering  brethren  from  the  Welsh  Tract.  They  soon 
had  William  Thomas,  and  John  James,  as  gifted  brethren  to  preach 
among  them.  In  the  year  1722,  the  church  being  considerably 
increased  in  number,  they  called  the  following  persons  to  exercise 


20  NARRATIVE  OF  THE  CHURCHES 

their  gifts  upon  trial: — John  James,  David  Evans,  Benjamin  Griffith, 
and  Joseph  Eaton ;  and  in  the  year  1725,  the  church  unanimously 
agreed  to  call  the  said  Benjamin  Griffith  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry  by  solemn  ordination ;  which  was  accomplished  on  the  23d 
day  of  October,  1725 :  Mr.  Elisha  Thomas,  and  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones, 
acting  and  assisting  by  the  call  of  the  church. 

The  church,  in  the  year  1727,  called  Joseph  Eaton  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry  by  ordination,  which  was  accomplished  on  the  24th  day 
of  October ;  Mr.  Elisha  Thomas  and  their  other  minister,  Benjamin 
Griffith,  officiating  at  his  ordination. 

In  the  month  of  April,  1749,  Joseph  Eaton  died,  and  Benjamin 
Griffith  continued  in  the  work,  assisted  by  a  hopeful  young  man, 
named  John  Thomas,  not  yet  ordained. 

February  1st,  1749. 


THE  CHURCH  AT  BETHLEHEM. 

Several  members  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Hopewell  having 
removed  and  settled  in  and  about  Bethlehem,  they  the  said  mem- 
bers, and  others  added  there,  requested  a  dismission  from  the  church 
at  Hopewell;  which,  being  obtained,  they  appointed  the  3lst  day  of 
July,  Anno  Domini  1742,  to  be  constituted  a  distinct  church  of 
Jesus  Christ,  Mr.  Joseph  Eaton  and  others  assisting.  Thomas  Curtis 
was  called  by  them  to  preach  upon  trial.  In  the  year  1745,  on  the 
28th  of  October,  Thomas  Curtis  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  and  continued  to  officiate  among  them  till  he  departed 
this  life,  which  was  towards  the  latter  end  of  April,  1749.  In  the 
year  174     ,  on  the         day  of  .     Malachia  Bonham  was  called 

to  be  their  minister  by  solemn  ordination. 


^^^^^^■^'^^yv<M~ 


THE  CHURCH  AT  SOUTHAMPTON. 

Some  of  the  very  early  members  of  the  church  at  Lower  Dublin, 
commonly  called  Pennepek,  were  settled  in  and  about  Southampton ; 
and  in  process  of  time  the  said  church  appointed  a  meeting  to  be 
kept,  one  Lord's  day  in  the  month,  for  the  ease  and  benefit  of  their 
remote  members;  which  meeting  was  for  some  time  held  at  Peter 
Chamberlain's  house,  and  after  at  the  house  of  John  Morris,  who, 
being  desirous  to  promote  the  glory  of  God  and  the  interest  of  reli- 
gion, did  grant  and  confirm  a  small  plantation  for  the  use  of  the 
church,  and  another  piece  of  land  for  a  burying  place  and  to  build 
a  meeting-house  upon.  The  number  of  members,  by  the  blessing  of 
God  on  the  means  of  grace,  being  increased  in  those  parts,  they 
requested  the  church  of  Pennepek  to  dismiss  them,  and  to  assist 


HOLDING   believers'  BAPTISM.  21 

them  to  be  a  distinct  church ;  which  request  was  granted  at  a  church 
meeting,  held  April  the  5th,  1746,  and  on  the  8th  day  of  April,  the 
dismissed  members  unanimously  met  at  the  meeting-house,  built 
on  the  said  piece  of  ground  in  Southampton.  After  some  time  spent 
in  solemn  prayers  to  God,  they  gave  themselves  to  the  Lord  and  to 
one  another,  by  the  will  of  God,  to  walk  together  in  gospel  fellow- 
ship, according  to  the  rules  of  God's  word.  On  the  29th  day  of 
May,  1746,  Mr.  Joshua  Potts,  a  young  man  who  had  been  a  con- 
siderable time  upon  trial,  was  solemnly  called  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry  by  ordination,  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones,  their  former  pastor,  and 
Mr.  Abel  Morgan,  being  present  to  act  for  and  with  the  church.  The 
number  of  members  then  was  forty-six. 


wv^rf^^.^>^^WW. 


THE  CHURCH  AT  CRANBRERY. 

Most  of  the  members  of  this  church  were  heretofore  members 
of  the  Baptist  church  meeting  at  Middletown  and  Crosswicks,  and 
being  far  distant  from  that  church,  they  requested  dismission  from 
that  church,  in  order  to  settle  by  themselves.  Their  request  being 
granted,  they  were  settled  and  constituted  a  distinct  church  on  the 
1st  day  of  November,  Anno  Domini  1745,  the  number  of  members 
then  being  seventeen.  On  the  3d  day  of  the  same  month,  Mr.  James 
Carman,  by  unanimous  choice  and  call  of  the  church,  was  ordained 
to  be  their  minister :  Mr.  Nathaniel  Jenkins,  and  Mr.  Abel  Morgan 
assisting  on  both  of  those  solemn  occasions.  There  have  been 
twenty-five  persons  added  to  them  since. 

August,  1750. 


THE  CHURCH  AT  PHILADELPHIA. 

Philadelphia  and  Pennepek,  or  Lower  Dublin,  having  continued 
one  church  from  the  first  settlement  thereof,  though  they  had 
their  respective  places  of  meeting,  they  held  their  respective  times 
of  communion  in  the  town  and  the  country,  their  minister,  Mr. 
Jenkin  Jones,  administering  the  ordinances  of  baptism  and  the 
Lord's  supper,  in  both  the  city  and  the  country,  every  month. 

In  April,  Anno  Domini  1746,  the  members  residing  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia  did  make  their  request  to  their  brethren  at  Penne- 
pek, as  being  of  the  two  the  elder  branch,  for  a  dismission,  in 
order  to  be  settled  a  distinct  church  by  themselves;  which  was 
accordingly  granted ;  and  pursuant  thereunto,  the  dismissed  mem- 
bers did  appoint  the  15Ui  day  of  May,  in  the  said  year  of  our  Lord 
1745,  to  meet  and  settle  themselves  in  church  order;  and  being 
accompanied  by  some  brethren  from  Pennepek,  they  did  in  a  solemn 


22  NARRATIVE  OF  THE  CHURCHES 

manner  enter  into  churcli  covenant,  and  united,  as  is  usual  on  the 
like  solemn  occasions.  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones  being  one  of  the  number 
dismissed  from  Pennepek,  and  now  a  member  of  the  church  settled 
at  Philadelphia,  Tras  called  to  exercise  the  ministerial  functions 
among  them. 


THE  CHURCH  AT  MORRISTOWN, 

IX  MORRIS  COUNTY,  NEW  JERSEY. 

Several  of  the  members  of  the  church  of  Piscataqua,  living  in 
ISIorris  county,  remote  from  that  church,  requested  a  dismission,  to 
the  end  they  might  be  constituted  a  distinct  church  by  themselves ; 
and  accordingly  they  appointed  to  meet  on  the  11th  day  of  August, 
1752 ;  and  having  Mr.  Benjamin  Miller,  Mr.  Isaac  Stelle  and  Mr. 
Isaac  Eaton  for  their  assistance,  and  after  having  improved  the  fore 
part  of  this  day  in  fasting  and  prayer,  they  were  regularly  incorpo- 
rated in  the  usual  manner,  and  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  given  to 
them  as  a  sister  church  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  as  such  recommended 
to  God  by  solemn  prayer,  and  on  the  4th  day  of  October  following, 
were  admitted  into  the  Association. 


aA^#>'^'^^A/> 


THE  CHURCH  AT  SCOTCH  PLAIXS, 

IN    EAST    JERSEY. 

Several  members  of  the  church  at  Piscataqau,  living  at  Scotch 
Plains,  in  the  county  of  Essex,  finding  it  difficult  to  travel  to  keep 
their  places  there,  requested  dismission  from  that  church,  in  order 
to  be  incorporated  a  distinct  church  by  themselves;  and  accord- 
ingly they  of  Piscataqua  did  grant  it ;  and  being  dismissed  thence, 
they  appointed  to  come  together  on  the  8th  day  of  September,  1747, 
and  having  Abel  Morgan  and  James  Mott,  from  Middletown,  for 
their  assistance,  they  spent  the  fore  part  of  the  day  in  prayer  and 
fasting,  and  afterwards  they  gave  themselves  in  a  solemn  manner  to 
the  Lord,  and  to  one  another,  by  the  will  of  God,  and  after  the  usual 
solemnity,  were  owned  as  a  sister  church;  and  on  the  13th  day  of 
February  following,  Benjamin  Miller  was  ordained  to  be  their  minis- 
ter: Mr.  Benjamin  Stelle,  of  Piscataqua,  and  Mr.  Abel  Morgan,  of 
Middletown,  assisting  at  the  ordination.  Their  number,  when  con- 
stituted, fourteen ;  their  number,  on  the  10th  of  July,  1750,  when 
the  above  narrative  was  dated,  seventy-five. 


HOLDING    believers'  BAPTISM.  23 

THE  CHURCH  AT  ROCKSBERRY, 

IN  MORRIS  COUNTY,  N.  J. 

A  number  of  persons,  baptized  on  profession  of  faith,  residing  at 
Rocksberry  aforesaid,  being  desirous  to  put  them  in  church  order,  for 
their  better  convenience,  benefit,  and  edification ;  and  being  dismissed 
by  the  church  they  were  rebated  to,  they  appointed  the  12th  day  of 
May,  1753;  and  having  procured  the  Rev.  brethren,  Isaac  Stelle, 
and  Malachia  Bonham,  for  their  assistance,  they  were  constituted 
after  the  same  manner  as  other  churches,  the  said  ministers  giving 
them  a  hand  of  fellowship  as  a  sister  church ;  and,  at  the  Association 
in  October  following,  were,  upon  their  request,  received  into  the 
number  of  our  associating  churches :  their  number  then  being  four- 
teen persons. 


THE  CHURCH  AT  OYSTER  BAY, 

queen's    county,  long   ISLAND. 

Several  persons  baptized  upon  profession  of  their  faith ;  some  by 
ordained  ministers  from  Rhode  Island  ;  some  by  Mr.  Weeks,  residing 
in  the  place,  and  some  by  Thomas  Davis.  In  the  year  1748,  a  con- 
siderable number  of  those  baptized  persons  agreed  and  concluded  to 
settle  themselves  in  a  regular  church  order,  according  to  the  rules 
and  patterns  of  the  New  Testament.  Accordingly  they  appointed 
the  eleventh  day  of  July,  A.  D.  1748,  and  then  met ;  and  with 
fasting  and  prayer,  they  were  solemnly  incorporated.  A  church 
covenant,  in  writing,  was  subscribed  by  men  and  women  then  present, 
to  the  number  of  twenty-eight ;  John  Stephens  and  Thomas  Davis 
being  called  to  assist  therein.  In  the  year  1750,  they,  by  their  let- 
ter and  messenger,  Daniel  Underbill,  proposed  to  the  Association  of 
the  baptized  churches  for  admittance  and  union  with  the  Associa- 
tion; which  was,  after  inquiry,  granted,  and  their  said  messenger 
received. 


TULPOHOKIN. 

This  church  takes  the  above  name  from  a  creek,  near  to  which  the 
meeting-house  stands.  It  is  situate  in  the  township  of  Cymru,  county 
of  Berks,  and  province  of  Pennsylvania.  It  was  constituted  Aug.  19, 
1738,  and  joined  the  Association  September  23,  of  the  same  year. 
The  original  number  was  twenty-one.  The  first  minister  was  Rev. 
Thomas  Jones.  What  further  concerns  this  church  may  be  seen  in 
the  following  memorial,  sent  me  in  the  year  1761. 

"  We,  whose  names  are  underwritten,  (some  members  of  the  Great 


24  NARRATIVE   OF   THE   CHURCHES,    AC. 

Valley  church,  some  of  the  church  of  Montgomery,)  being  removed 
into  another  county,  and  so  remote  from  the  said  churches,  that 
we  could  not  attend  the  means  of  grace,  nor  perform  the  duties  of  our 
membership  as  we  could  wish  to  do ;  being  met  together,  according  to 
appointment,  on  this  19th  day  of  August,  1738;  and  having,  by  fast- 
ing and  prayer,  made  our  supplication  to  God,  and  a  sermon  preached 
on  the  occasion  ;  and  having  unanimously  owned  the  Confession  of 
faith,  set  forth  by  the  elders  of  baptized  churches  in  England,  and 
approved  by  the  above  named  churches  ;  and  having  showed  our  ap- 
probation of  one  another's  principles  and  charitable  judgment  of 
each  others'  graces ;  and  having  mutually  agreed  to  give  ourselves 
to  God,  and  to  one  another  by  the  will  of  God ;  we  covenant,  as  God 
shall  help  us,  to  maintain  the  worship  of  God  and  the  truth  of  the 
gospel,  to  the  edification  of  our  own  souls  and  the  good  of  others ; 
and  to  practice  all  gospel  ordinances,  according  to  the  mind  of  God, 
revealed  in  his  word ;  to  admonish,  exhort,  and  watch  over  one  another 
in  love,  and  also  to  reprove  according  to  gospel  rule ;  to  keep  out 
own  secret  matters  to  ourselves,  according  to  the  practice  of  the 
primitive  gospel  churches  and  the  custom  of  our  neighboring  churches 
of  the  same  order.  In  testimony  whereof,  we,  in  the  sanctity  of 
our  hearts,  and  in  the  fear  of  God,  desiring  to  wait  upon,  and  trust 
in  his  faithful  promises  in  our  Lord  and  Redeemer  Jesus  Christ,  for 
all  blessings  and  graces,  and  the  gifts  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  enable 
us  to  do  our  duties,  for  the  honour  of  God  and  the  ornament  of  the 
gospel  of  Jesus,  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names  the  day  and 
year  above  named. 

David  Evan,  David  Lewis,  Martha  Jones, 

James  John,  George  Rees,  Mary  Loyd, 

Thomas  Jones,  John  David,  Elizabeth  Rees, 

Evan  Loyd,  Thomas  Loyd,  Mary  David, 

Thomas  Nicholas,  Rees  Thomas,  Elenor  Nicholas, 

James  Edwards,  Sarah  Evans,  Margaret  Edwards, 

Henry  Harry,  Elenor  John,  Ann  Rees. 

*^*  As  the  churches  that  joined  this  Association  since  the  year  1750  were 
erected  and  constituted  after  the  same  form  and  orderof  the  Gospel  with  those  whose 
constitutions  are  more  at  large  herein  before  related,  it  is  thought  needless  to 
give  a  copious  account  of  every  particular,  and  to  relate  the  time  of  their  admis- 
sion to  the  Association  only. 


AN  ACCOUNT 


OF  THE  AFFAIRS  THAT  CAME  TO  BE  CONSIDERED  BY  THE  ASSO- 
CIATION  OF    THE   AFOREMENTIONED    CHURCHES,    SINCE 
THEY  HELD  AN   ASSOCIATION,   AS    FAR  AS  ANY 
RECORDS  OF  THE  SAME  CAN  BE  FOUND. 


1707. 

Theke  is  no  track  or  footsteps  of  any  regular  association,  agree- 
ment, or  confederation,  between  the  first  churches  in  these  colonies 
of  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  that  I  can  find,  before  the  year 
1707,  when  we  have,  in  the  records  of  the  church  of  Pennepek,  this 
account,  viz : — Before  our  general  meeting,  held  at  Philadelphia,  in 
the  seventh  month,  1707,  it  was  concluded  by  the  several  congrega- 
tions of  our  judgment,  to  make  choice  of  some  particular  brethren, 
such  as  they  thought  most  capable  in  every  congregation,  and  those 
to  meet  at  the  yearly  meeting  to  consult  about  such  things  as  wore 
wanting  in  the  churches,  and  to  set  them  in  order ;  and  these  breth- 
ren meeting  at  the  said  yearly  meeting,  which  began  the  27th  of  the 
seventh  month,  on  the  seventh  day  of  the  week,  agreed  to  continue 
the  meeting  till  the  third  day  following  in  the  work  of  the  public 
ministry.  It  was  then  agreed,  that  a  person  that  is  a  stranger, 
that  has  neither  letter  of  recommendation,  nor  is  known  to  be  a 
person  gifted,  and  of  a  good  conversation,  shall  not  be  admitted  to 
preach,  nor  be  entertained  as  a  member  in  any  of  the  baptized  con- 
gregations in  communion  with  each  other. 

It  was  also  concluded,  that  if  any  difi'erence  shall  happen  between 
any  member  and  the  church  he  belongs  unto,  and  they  cannot  agree, 
then  the  person  so  grieved  may,  at  the  general  meeting,  appeal  to 
the  brethren  of  the  several  congregations,  and  with  such  as  they  shall 
nominate,  to  decide  the  difi'erence ;  that  the  church  and  the  person 
so  grieved  do  fully  acquiesce  in  their  determination. 

1710. 

In  the  year  1710,  several  able  men,  ministers  and  elders,  and  in 
the  year  following  also,  came  over  from  South  Wales  and  the  West  of 
England — as  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nathaniel  Jenkins,  Mr.  John  Burrows, 
Mr.  Abel  Morgan,  and  some  that  had  been  ruling  elders  in  the 
churches  they  came  from — all  of  them  men  long  concerned  in  the 
aff"airs  of  churches  and  associations  in  their  own  countries. 

4  (25) 


26  MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

1712. 

One  Thomas  Selby  made  a  disturbance  and  rupture  in  the  church 
at  Philadelphia  and  Pennepek ;  and  application  having  been  made 
to  the  Association,  the  Association  did  nominate  persons  from  among 
themselves,  to  hear  and  determine  of  and  concerning  the  said  differ- 
ence. And  both  parties  consenting,  the  said  nominated  men  pro- 
ceeded to  hear  and  determine  of  the  same,  and  brought  in  their  judg- 
ment and  determination,  confirmed  under  their  hands,  as  followeth, 
{vide  the  afore  mentioned  book,  page  47.) 

"  With  respect  to  the  difference  between  the  members  and  others, 
some  time  belonging  to  the  Baptist  church  at  Philadelphia,  as  it 
hath  been  laid  before  us,  persons  chosen  by  both  sides,  they  having 
referred  the  whole  of  their  difference  to  our  determination ;  we,  doing 
what  in  us  lies  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  peace  of  the  whole 
church,  in  regard  of  the  transactions  past,  and  what  may  be  best  for 
the  future,  for  the  interest  of  the  gospel,  upon  due  consideration  of 
what  hath  been  laid  before  us,  as  followeth,  viz : — We  do  find  the 
way  and  manner  of  dealing  and  proceeding  with  each  other  hath 
been  from  the  rule  of  the  Gospel,  and  unbecoming  Christians  in  many 
respects,  and  in  some  too  shameful  here  to  enumerate  the  parti- 
culars. 

"  And  first,  we  judge  it  expedient  in  point  of  justice,  that  Mr. 
Thomas  Selby  be  paid  the  money  subscribed  to  him  by  the  members 
of  this  church,  and  he  discharged  from  any  further  service  in  the 
work  of  the  ministry;  he  being  a  person,  in  our  judgment,  not  likely 
for  the  promotion  of  the  Gospel  in  these  parts  of  the  country  ;  and 
considering  his  miscarriages,  we  judge  he  may  not  be  allowed  to 
communion. 

"And  secondly,  as  to  the  members  of  this  congregation,  we  do  ap- 
prehend the  best  way  is,  that  each  party  offended  do  freely  forgive 
each  other  all  personal  and  other  offences  that  may  have  risen  on  this 
occasion,  and  that  they  be  buried  in  oblivion ;  and  that  those  who 
shall  for  future  mention  or  stir  up  any  of  the  former  differences,  so 
as  to  tend  to  contention,  shall  be  deemed  disorderly  persons,  and  be 
dealt  with  as  such. 

"  And  thirdly,  that  those  that  exempted  themselves  from  their 
communion  on  this  account,  except  as  above,  be  allowed  to  take  their 
places  orderly  without  contention,  and  such  as  refuse  to  be  deemed 
disorderly  persons." 

Subscribed — Timothy  Brooks,  Thomas  Shepherd,  Thomas  Abbot, 
John  Drake,  Nicolas  Jonson,  Dickason  Shepherd,  Job  Shepherd, 
James  Bollen,  Samuel  Jones,  John  Hart,  John  Bray. 

Let  it  be  noted,  that  the  said  Thomas  Selby,  though  he  and  his 
party  referred  as  above  said,  yet  he  appeared  afterwards  very  outra- 
geous while  he  stayed  in  the  province,  and  some  of  his  adherents 
joined  to  other  denominations,  and  never  returned  to  seek  their 
place  in  the  church,  and  the  church  did  accordingly  exclude  them. 
But  the  greatest  part  took  their  places  personally. 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  27 

1713. 

From  tlie  year  1712  to  the  year  1720,  though  the  churches  con- 
tinually maintained  a  yearly  association,  yet  their  minutes  are  not 
to  be  found,  for  aught  I  can  hear.  In  the  year  1720,  nothing  ap- 
peared before  the  Association.     The  minutes  of  1721  are  wanting. 

1722. 

At  the  Association,  in  the  year  1722,  it  was  proposed  for  the 
churches  to  make  inquiry  among  themselves,  if  they  have  any  young 
persons  hopeful  for  the  ministry,  and  inclinable  for  learning  ;  and  if 
they  have,  to  give  notice  of  it  to  Mr.  Abel  Morgan,  before  the  first 
of  November,  that  he  might  recommend  such  to  the  acadamy  on  Mr. 
Hollis,  his  account. 

1723. 

At  our  Association,  convened  September  23,  1723,  a  query  from 
the  church  at  Brandywine  came,  viz.,  which  way  they  might  improve 
their  vacant  days  of  worship,  when  they  have  no  minister  among 
them  to  carry  on  the  public  work. 

Solution.  We  conceive  it  expedient  that  the  church  do  meet  to- 
gether as  often  as  conveniency  will  admit ;  and  when  they  have  none 
to  carry  on  the  work  of  preaching,  that  they  read  a  chapter,  sing  a 
psalm,  and  go  to  prayer  and  beg  of  God  to  increase  their  grace  and 
comfort,  and  have  due  regard  to  order  and  decency  in  the  exercise 
of  those  gifts  at  all  times,  and  not  to  suffer  any  to  exercise  their  gifts 
in  a  mixed  multitude  until  tried  and  approved  of  first  by  the  church. 

Agreed,  that  the  proposal  drawn  by  the  several  ministers,  and 
signed  by  many  others,  in  reference  to  the  examination  of  all  gifted 
brethren  and  ministers  that  come  in  here  from  other  places,  be  duly 
put  in  practice,  we  having  found  the  evil  of  neglecting  a  true  and 
previous  scrutiny  in  those  affairs. 

1724. 

In  the  year  1724,  a  query,  concerning  the  fourth  commandment, 
whether  changed,  altered,  or  diminished. 

We  refer  to  the  Confession  of  faith,  set  forth  by  the  elders  and 
brethren  met  in  London,  1689,  and  owned  by  us,  chap.  22,  sect.  7 
and  8. 

2d  Query.  Whether  a  believer  may  marry  an  unbeliever,  without 
coming  under  church  censure  for  it  ? 

Answered  In  the  negative. 

3d  Query.  Whether  an  officer  In  the  church,  who  forfeits  his  office, 
forfeits  his  membership  ?  Answered  in  the  negative.  But  if  he  for- 
feits his  membership  he  forfeits  his  office.  Whether  he.  If  restored 
to  his  membership,  must  also  be  restored  to  office,  is  another  case, 
not  here  considered. 

4thly.  Concluded  and  agreed,  that  a  chui'ch  ought  to  be  unani- 


28  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

mous  In  giving  their  voice  in  choosing  and  setting  up,  or  deposing  one 
Bet  up,  to  act  in  any  church  office,  or  to  act  as  an  officer  in  the 
church.  Any  act  of  that  nature,  commenced  without  common  consent, 
is  void,  and  hath  no  power  in  it. 

5thly.  Concluded,  that  the  letter  from  the  churches  to  Association 
hereafter,  may  contain  salutations,  contemplations,  congratulations, 
&c.,  in  one  page ;  and  the  complaints,  queries,  or  grievances,  &c.,  be 
written  apart ;  for  it  is  agreed  that  the  former  shall  be  read  publicly 
the  first  day  of  the  Association's  meeting,  and  the  latter,  the  church's 
doubts,  fears,  or  disorders,  &c.,  be  opened  and  read  to  the  Association 
only. 

1725. 

In  the  year  1725  nothing  presented  but  what  is  common,  and  the 
Association  concluded  to  send  suitable  exhortations  especially  answer- 
ing the  case  of  those  that  made  their  application  for  the  time  then 
being. 

1726. 

In  the  year  1726,  the  Association  ordered  that  all  the  churches  do 
observe  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  on  account  of  several  occur- 
rences them  then  thereunto  moving,  and  to  be  observed  on  the  tenth 
day  of  November  then  next  ensuing.  And  the  said  Association  had 
a  troublesome  work  about  defraying  the  charges  incurred  by  an  un- 
happy youth,  son  to  one  of  oui-  ministering  brethren  in  London,  re- 
commended to  us  here  by  our  benefactors,  Mr.  Hollis  and  others,  and 
ordered  proper  persons,  viz.,  Mr.  John  Holme  and  Mr.  Jenkin 
Jones,  to  write  to  Mr.  Hollis,  &c.,  and  to  carry  on  a  correspondence 
with  our  friends  in  London. 

One  query  from  the  church  at  Montgomery,  viz : — In  case  there 
might  be  a  division,  and  on  the  division  a  rent  and  separation  follow 
in  any  church  in  Great  Britain,  and  each  party  combining  together 
in  church  form,  each  being  sound  in  the  faith,  and  during  the  sepa- 
ration both  parties  recommend  members  unto  us  here,  as  in  full  com- 
munion with  them,  how  may  the  churches  here  proceed  in  such  a 
case  ? 

Answer.  We  do  advise  that  the  churches  here  may  take  no  further 
notice  of  the  letters  by  such  persons  brought  here,  than  to  satisfy 
themselves  that  such  are  baptized  persons,  and  of  a  regular  conver- 
sation, and  to  take  such  into  church  covenant  as  if  they  had  not 
been  members  of  any  church  before. 

1727. 

In  the  year  1727,  it  was  agreed  that  the  messengers  of  the 
churches,  who  usually  met  on  the  seventh  day  of  the  week,  should, 
for  the  future,  meet  on  the  sixth  day  of  the  same  week  before  the 
fourth  Lord's  day  in  September,  at  ten  of  the  clock  afore  noon,  in 
order  to  prepare  for  the  affairs  of  the  churches ;  and  that  the 
chm'ches  should  endeavor  to  free  their  messengers  from  their  businesses 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  29 

at  home,  and  assist  them  with  money  to  bear  their  expenses  in  that 
affair. 

In  answer  to  a  query  from  the  Great  Valley,  viz  : — How  far  the 
liberty  of  marriage  may  be  between  a  member  and  one  that  is  not  a 
member  ?  Answered,  by  referring  to  our  Confession  of  faith,  chapter 
26th  in  our  last  edition. 

1728. 

In  the  year  1728,  the  Association  met  the  sixth  day  of  the  week. 

1.  Query  from  Hopewell :  What  course  to  take  in  choosing  a  ruling 
elder  in  the  church  ?  We  answer,  that  a  church  wanting  ruling 
elders  or  deacons,  as  in  other  cases,  should  set  a  day  apart,  and  by 
fasting  and  prayer,  seek  the  guidance  and  direction  of  God,  and  then 
unanimously  pitch  upon  one  or  more  of  their  brethren  to  act  upon 
trial  in  the  office  of  ruling  elder  or  deacon  ;  and  our  judgment  is,  that 
persons  called  upon  trial  in  the  said  offices,  may  act  by  authority  of 
the  church,  with  as  full  power  as  if  completely  qualified ;  but  not  so 
teaching  elders  or  ministers  of  the  word  and  ordinances. 

2.  A  query  from  the  church  at  Montgomery :  Whether  a  church 
is  bound  to  grant  a  letter  of  dismission  to  any  member  to  go  to 
another  church,  while  his  residence  is  not  removed  ? 

Answered  in  the  negative,  w^e  having  neither  precept  nor  prece- 
dent for  such  a  practice  in  Scripture.     See  Discipline. 

1729. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  baptized  congregations,  in  Penn- 
sylvania and  the  Jerseys,  met  at  Philadelphia,  September  27th  and 
28th,  1729,  in  a  solemn  Association.     Sendeth  greeting : — 

Dearly  beloved  Brethren  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, — We  heartily 
rejoice  to  see  your  care,  diligence,  requests,  and  desires,  on  our  behalf, 
at  the  throne  of  grace ;  and  also  your  care  and  diligence  in  maintain- 
ing our  yearly  correspondence  and  communion  in  the  gospel.  We, 
your  representatives,  met  together  in  love,  perused  your  letters  and 
gladly  received  your  messengers.  We  find  cause  to  rejoice  that  God 
has  crowned  the  labors  of  his  ministers  with  such  success.  There 
have  been  considerable  additions  the  past  year  in  several  churches, 
and  some  in  most.  Praise  be  rendered  to  our  gracious  God,  we  find 
the  churches  generally  to  be  at  peace  and  unity  amongst  themselves. 
We  think  it  expedient  to  give  you  an  account  of  our  proceedings. 
We  conferred  together,  without  any  jars  or  contentions  in  our 
debates ;  our  souls  have  been  refreshed,  hearing  of  the  welfare  of 
the  churches  in  general;  also,  in  hearing  the  sweet  and  comfortable 
truths  of  the  gospel  declared  among  us,  by  the  faithful  labours  of 
our  ministering  brethren,  which  we  hope  is  to  the  glory  of  God  and 
the  good  of  souls.  We  earnestly  desire  you  to  walk  worthy  of  your 
holy  vocation,  standing  fast  and  striving  together  for  the  faith  of  the 
gospel.  It  is  the  general  complaint  of  many,  that  there  is  much 
lukewarmness  and  deadness  in  matters  of  religion,  which  we  hope  is 


30  MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

not  a  mere  compliment,  but  rather  the  grief  of  the  churches.  In 
order  to  remedy  this  soul  distemper,  our  advice  and  desire  is,  that 
you  be  diligent  to  keep  your  places  in  the  house  of  God ;  be  frequent 
and  instant  in  prayer,  both  in  secret  and  in  public.  Strive  after  the 
life  and  power  of  religion ;  make  religion  your  earnest  business. 
Keep  your  garments  undefiled  from  the  world ;  walk  as  becomes  saints 
before  God  and  men;  improve  your  opportunities  in  all  religious 
duties,  both  among  your  families  and  in  the  church.  Stand  fast  for 
the  defending  and  maintaining  the  ordinances  of  Christ ;  wait  on  God 
in  them,  that  you  may  reap  the  benefits  of  Christ  by  them.  Strive 
to  keep  together;  maintaining  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of 
peace ;  always  resisting  the  assaults  of  Satan,  who  waiteth  opportu- 
nities to  disturb  the  peace  of  God's  children.  Be  careful  that  you 
do  nothing  that  may  tend  to  breed  disturbances  in  the  church 
of  God. 

Query  from  the  church  at  Philadelphia.  Suppose  a  gifted  bro- 
ther, who  is  esteemed  an  orderly  minister  by  or  among  those  that 
are  against  the  laying  on  of  hands  in  any  respect,  should  happen  to 
come  among  our  church;  whether  we  may  allow  such  an  one  to  ad- 
minister the  ordinances  of  baptism  and  the  Lord's  supper  or  no? 

Answered  in  the  negative ;  because  it  is  contrary  to  the  rule  of 
God's  word:  see  Acts  xiii.  2,  3;  and  xiv.  23:  compared  with  Titus 
i.  5  ;  1  Tim.  iv.  14  ;  from  which  prescribed  rules  we  dare  not  swerve. 
We  also  refer  to  the  Confession  of  faith,  chap,  xxvii.,  sect.  9. 

The  messengers  shall  meet  on  the  sixth  day  of  the  week,  at  the 
time  before  appointed,  by  2  o'clock,  p.  M.,  to  consider  the  affairs  of 
the  churches. 

Agreed,  that  a  sermon  be  preached  on  the  seventh  day,  in  the 
afternoon,  as  usual ; — first  day,  a  sermon  to  be  preached  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  another  in  the  afternoon,  with  the  administration  of  the 
Lord's  supper ; — on  the  second  day  of  the  week,  a  concluding  sermon 
in  the  forenoon.  Mr.  Jones  and  Mr.  Holmes  shall  send  a  letter  to 
Mr.  Walden  and  Mr.  Hollis,  in  London,  in  order  to  maintain  a  chris- 
tian correspondence. 

Commending  you  to  God  and  the  word  of  his  grace, 

Your  brethren,  in  the  best  of  bonds, 

Jno.  David,  Ben.  S  telle,  Owen  Thomas, 

Geo.  Hugh,  Gershom  Mott,  Joseph  Eaton, 

Jno.  Devonald,  John  Welledge,  Wm.  Kinnersley, 

Saml.  Osgood,  John  Clarkson,  John  Holmes, 

Jeremiah  Kollet.  Jno.  Bartholomew,  John  Heart, 

Robt.  Chalfant,  Elisha  Thomas,  George  Eaton. 

Dickison  Shephard,  Jenkin  Jones, 

Ebenezer  Smith,  Simon  Butler, 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  31 

1730. 

In  the  year  1730,  a  query  from  Coliansie:  In  case  a  member  of 
a  regular  church  separate  hhnself  on  the  account  of  the  seventh  day, 
and  join  himself  to  those  that  hold  the  same  for  a  Sabbath,  when,  at 
the  same  time,  the  church  he  was  member  of  allowed,  if  it  was  to 
him  a  matter  of  conscience,  he  might  observe  it,  and  keep  his  place 
where  he  was  a  member,  and  that  they  would  respect  him  as  they 
used  to  do ;  yet,  nevertheless,  he  goes  away,  and  presumes  to  be  a 
leader  among  the  aforesaid  seventh-day  people.  What  must  the 
church  do  in  such  a  case  in  order  to  discharge  their  duty  ? 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  duty  of  such  a  church,  in  as  moderate  a 
way  and  manner  as  they  can,  to  disown  such  a  member,  so  as  he 
may  not  be  looked  upon  to  be  a  member  any  further  with  them  on 
any  account. 

As  to  the  application  from  Brandywine,  it  may  be  referred  to  the 
answer  given  in  the  same  case  to  the  same  church.  Anno  Domini 
1723 ;  only  here  they  were  advised  to  read  some  sound,  profitable, 
approved  sermon  books,  in  the  absence  of  the  ministers  that  visit 
them. 

As  to  a  request  from  the  Great  Valley,  we  would  have  them  en- 
courage the  gifts  they  have  among  them,  and  send  to  their  nearest 
neighbors'  churches  for  helps  and  supplies  as  often  as  they  and  them 
can  agree. 

As  to  the  request  from  Piscataqua,  for  the  help  of  our  ministering 
brethren  at  their  general  meeting,  we  judge  it  necessary  that  our 
ministering  brethren  do  supply  such  general  meetings ;  nevertheless, 
we  not  knowing  who,  nor  how  to  bind  any  of  them,  we  think  it  neces- 
sary that  the  church,  where  such  are  held,  send  to  them,  that,  if 
possible,  they  may  be  certain  of  some  help. 

1731. 

The  elders,  ministers,  and  messengers,  of  the  baptized  congrega- 
tions in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  met  in  Association  at  Phila- 
delphia, September  24th,  1731.  To  the  respective  congregations  we 
represent,  send  greeting : — 

Dearly  beloved  and  highly  esteemed  brethren,  our  joy  and  our 
crown,  at  the  appearing  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we  cannot  but 
rejoice  to  see  your  care  and  diligence,  in  maintaining  this  our  annual 
communion,  in  sending  your  messengers  to  associate  with  us.  We  met 
together  in  love,  admitted  your  messengers,  perused  yom*  letters,  and 
had  cause  to  bless  God  that  we  find  the  churches  in  peace  among  them- 
selves, without  distraction,  schism  or  division,  or  destructive  errors, 
and  that  in  most  churches  there  hath  been  some  addition  this  last  year ; 
for  which  we  bless  the  great  Husbandman,  who  gives  success  to  the 
labours  of  his  poor  servants.  Yet  we  find  the  old  complaint  of  dullness, 
coldness,  and  indifference  in  the  things  of  God ;  and  we  hope  you  do  not 
rest  in  complaints,  but  that  you  endeavour  to  provoke  one  another  to 


32  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

love  and  good  works.  Consider  'seriously,  dearly  beloved,  that  our 
Master  will  come  the  rounds,  to  view  his  servants,  and  woe  then  to 
the  slothful  and  loitering.  Therefore,  bestir  yourselves,  be  close 
and  diligent,  every  one  according  to  his  work  in  the  vineyard,  lest 
ye  be  found  unprofitable.  Prize  your  privileges  and  admire  your 
dignities ;  you  are  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord,  therefore  be  not  earthly 
minded;  you  are  the  children  of  the  King  of  Zion,  walk  as  such; 
ye  are  espoused  to  Christ,  magnify  your  match ;  lean  upon  him,  and 
duly  prove  the  knowledge  of  your  heavenly  and  best  realities. 

The  harvest  is  great  and  the  labourers  are  few ;  pray  mightily  for 
more,  and  treat  honourably  the  few  you  have  left.  Your  neglect  of 
hearing  them  may  provoke  the  Master  of  the  vineyard  to  call  home 
from  you  those  labourers  you  have,  as  of  late  he  hath  many  of  our 
reverend  brethren.  See  what  gifts  you  have  among  you :  if  there 
be  any  hopeful  youths,  let  them  exercise  themselves,  and  be  kind 
to  them  and  tender  of  them ;  take  heed  that  you  do  not  discourage 
them  you  have,  lest  you  should  be  made  to  lament  your  imprudent 
and  inconsiderate  management. 

We  had  a  loving  and  comfortable  conference  together,  in  the 
public  work  we  have  had,  both  of  ministers  and  hearers ;  also,  neces- 
sary truths  preached  and  plainly  propounded  according  to  the 
unerring  rule  of  God's  word. 

Beloved  of  the  Lord,  Ave  beseech  you,  add  your  hearty  prayers  to 
God,  that  our  endeavours,  both  public  and  private,  may  be  watered 
with  blessings  from  on  high.  We  commend  you  to  the  care  of  the 
Almighty  and  ever  merciful  God,  who  is  able  to  do  abundantly  for 
us,  beyond  what  we  can  ask  or  think. 

We  have  appointed  brother  Enoch  Morgan  to  preach  the  sermon 
next  year ;  and,  in  case  of  failure,  brother  Owen  Thomas. 

Agreed  to  the  request  of  the  church  of  Philadelphia,  setting  forth 
that  they  have  been  at  a  great  charge  in  building  a  meeting-house, 
which  is  to  be  very  heavy,  unless  the  rest  of  the  churches  of  the  same 
order  will  find  in  their  hearts  to  contribute  towards  the  defraying  of 
the  same. 

The  Association  had  neither  queries  nor  requests  from  any  of  the 
churches ;  but  the  associated  brethren,  seeing  no  messengers  from 
Piscataqua  as  usual,  and  hearing  by  some  of  our  brethren  of  the  sad 
and  distracted  condition  of  that  congregation,  they  thought  proper 
to  write  to  them,  and  to  appoint  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones  and  Mr.  Joseph 
Eaton  to  give  them  a  visit  before  the  winter,  which,  by  the  blessing 
of  God,  proved  a  means  to  reduce  that  church  to  peace  and  order. 

Jenkin  Jones,  Jno.  Davis,  Wm.  Hugh, 

Enoch  Morgan,  John  Devonold,  George  Eaton, 

Nathaniel  Jenkins,  Jno.  Morgan,  Henry  Oxly, 

Benjamin  Griffith,  Reynolds  Howell,  Jno.  Holmes, 

Joseph  Eaton,  Robert  Chalfant,  Job  Shepherd, 

Owen  Thomas,  Evan  Mathias,  Jno.  Coward, 

William  Kinnersly,  Jno.  Heart,  Wm.  Thomas. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  33 

1732. 

In  the  year  1732,  a  question  was  moved :  Whether  a  person,  not 
being  baptized  himself,  and  presuming,  in  private,  to  baptize  an- 
other; whether  such  pretended  baptism  be  valid  or  no,  or  whether 
it  might  not  be  adjudged  a  nullity  ? 

Resolved.  We  judge  such  baptism  as  invalid,  and  no  better  than 
if  it  had  never  been  done. 

Upon  the  consideration  of  the  great  want  of  ministerial  helps, 
which  some  churches  have  moved,  it  is  agreed  by  this  Association, 
that  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  be  kept  by  all  the  churches  in  our 
communion,  that  the  Lord  may  gift  some  among  ourselves,  such  as 
may  be  serviceable ;  or  order,  in  the  course  of  his  providence,  some 
such  to  come  among  us  from  elsewhere ;  and  we  do  fix  upon  the  26th 
day  of  October,  next  ensuing,  for  that  purpose,  humbly  requesting 
the  members  of  our  churches  conscientiously  to  observe  the  same. 

1733. 

The  elders,  ministers,  and  messengers,  of  the  congregations  holding 
believers'  baptism,  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  met  in  Associa- 
tion, at  Philadelphia,  the  22d  day  of  September,  1733,  to  the  several 
congregations  we  represent  send  Christian  salutation : — 

Dearly  beloved  in  the  bowels  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  in  the  bonds  of 
his  gospel,  whom  we  here  represent,  and  whose  interests  we  hope  all 
of  us  have  chiefly  at  heart ;  at  the  conclusion  of  our  meeting,  we 
think  ourselves  bound  to  give  you  an  account  of  our  affairs  while 
together.  We  met,  and  had  an  Association  sermon  preached  by 
Enoch  Morgan;  afterwards  received  and  heard  your  letters;  ac- 
cepted your  messengers;  and  are  glad  to  see  your  care  and  dili- 
gence in  sending  them  to  maintain  visible  annual  correspondence 
together.  The  letters  show  the  churches  to  be  at  peace,  and  additions 
to  most  of  them  the  last  year.  Blessed  be  God  for  it.  At  our  pub- 
lic meeting  we  had  many  great  and  excellent  truths  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ  preached  from  divers  texts  by  our  ministering  brethren,  very 
edifying  and  comforting. 

Dear  brethren,  our  joy  and  crown  at  the  appearing  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  the  chief  Shepherd,  we  beseech  you  to  consider  seri- 
ously your  great  privileges,  as  you  are  favored  with  those  which 
belong  to  God's  children,  and  have  a  nail  in  his  holy  place,  and  a 
name  among  the  living  in  Jerusalem,  and  are  called  to  glory  and 
virtue.  What  obligations  you  are  under  to  adorn  your  profession,  to 
walk  worthy  of  your  vocation,  and  to  make  religion  your  main  and 
most  important  business  in  life,  that  you  may  be  found  doing  your 
Lord's  will  when  he  cometh. 

We  cannot  but  observe  to  you  again  the  scarcity  of  ministerial 
supplies  in  many  churches,  and  put  you  in  mind  of  your  duty  to  pray 
to  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  forth  more  men  to  the  work  of  the 
harvest.    Dear  brethren,  pray  earnestly  for  a  blessing  on  the  labors 

5 


34 


MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


of  those  you  have,  and  let  your  frequent  presence  and  walking  with 
God  in  the  use  of  means,  be  their  encouragement.  Most  of  the 
churches  complain  of  much  indifference  and  lukewarmness  in  the 
things  of  God :  we  hope  it  is  not  merely  to  complain,  but  out  of 
experience.  We  advise  you  to  keep  close  with  God  in  every  gospel 
duty,  public  and  private ;  use  all  means  to  provoke  one  another  to 
love  and  good  works  ;  pray  fervently  to  God  to  give  you  more  hearty 
affections  and  clearer  sight  of  the  excellency  of  Jesus  Christ. 

We  conclude,  commending  you  all  to  the  care  of  God  Almighty, 
in  the  name  of  the  blessed  Jesus.    Amen. 

Brother  Jenkin  Jones  to  preach  the  Association  sermon  the  next 
year ;  in  case  of  failure,  brother  Joseph  Eaton. 


Enoch  INIorgan, 
Ben.  Griffiths, 
John  Davis, 
George  Eaton, 
John  Davis, 
John  Holmes, 
Ebenezer  Smith, 
James  Cox, 
John  Devonald, 


Obadiah  Holmes, 
John  Garret, 
Robert  Chalffont, 

Randolph, 

Jenkin  Jones, 
Joseph  Eaton, 
Wm.  Thomas,. 
Simon  Butler, 

1734. 


John  Heart, 
Robert  James, 
Gershom  Mott, 
Ben.  Stelle, 
John  Evans, 
Richard  Hall, 
Jer.  Collett, 
Joseph  Fitz  Randolph. 


The  elders,  ministers,  and  messengers,  of  the  congregations  hold- 
iiig  believers'  baptism,  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  met  in 
Association  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  21st,  22d  and  23d  of  September, 
A.  D.,  1734,  to  the  several  congregations  we  represent,  send  Chris- 
tian salutation : — 

Dearly  beloved  in  our  Lord  and  holy  Redeemer  Jesus  Christ,  and 
in  the  fellowship  of  the  gospel  of  the  Son  of  God,  our  joy  and  our 
crown  of  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  his  appearing,  we  have  cause  to 
bless  God  on  your  behalf,  who  is  pleased  to  continue  you  as  so  many 
candlesticks  to  hold  forth  the  glorious  light  of  the  gospel  in  these 
remote  colonies.  We  return  you  our  thanks  for  your  care  and  dili- 
gence in  sending  your  messengers  to  associate  with  us  in  this  our 
yearly  correspondence,  and  to  assist  in  the  work  before  us.  We 
think  it  meet  to  give  you  an  account  of  our  affairs  and  procedure  at 
this  time.  Beloved,  we  met  in  love  at  the  time  and  place  appointed, 
perused  your  Christian  letters,  accepted  your  messengers,  and  we 
find  the  churches  we  represent  to  be  mostly  in  peace  among  them- 
selves, though  some  of  them  are,  at  present,  under  disagreeable 
circumstances,  which,  we  hope,  God  will  remove  in  his  mercy.  Some 
additions  have  been  made  this  last  year  in  most  of  the  churches,  in 
some  large  additions,  which  is  very  comfortable  to  hear. 

Our  public  opportunities  have  been  so  employed,  that,  by  the  bless- 
ing of  Almighty  God  upon  the  labour  of  our  ministering  brethren, 
we  hope  all  will  be  to  his  glory  and  the  good  of  souls.  Now,  dearly 
beloved  of  us,  and  we  hope  also  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself, 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  85 

the  God  of  glory,  who  hath  called  you  to  glory  and  virtue,  we  exhort 
you,  we  beseech  you,  by  the  tender  mercies  of  our  gracious  God,  that 
you  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  you  are  called;  that 
your  conversation  may  shine  with  gospel  purity  and  holiness;  that 
you  behave  yourselves  as  sons  of  God,  without  rebuke,  in  the  midst 
of  this  crooked  and  perverse  generation;  that  you  make  it  your 
business  to  keep  close  with  God,  in  gospel  duties  and  the  use  of- 
means ;  be  instant  in  prayer  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion ;  labour  ear- 
nestly to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace ;  love 
one  another  from  a  pure  heart,  that  so  you  prevent  the  great  design 
of  Satan,  who  endeavours  to  sow  discord  and  animosities  among 
God's  people.  We  advise  the  churches  that  want  ministerial  helps 
to  set  a  day  apart,  once  a  month,  to  implore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest 
to  thrust  forth  faithful  labourers  into  his  harvest ;  by  fasting  and 
prayer,  continue  in  a  fiiithful  depending,  waiting  and  heartily  crying 
to  God,  until  he  be  pleased  to  grant  you  the  desirable  blessing. 
Those  that  have  such  helps,  we  advise  to  beg  a  blessing  thereupon, 
and  successive  continuation  thereof. 

Several  queries  from  Middletown  came  to  the  Association,  viz. — 

1.  Whether  we  may  accept  and  take  in  a  minister  of  a  different 
persuasion  at  our  appointed  meetings. 

Answered  in  the  negative ;  unless  the  church  see  cause,  upon  some 
particular  occasions. 

2.  Whether  it  may  not  be  more  convenient  for  us  to  keep  up  our 
meetings,  as  usual,  by  reading  the  Scriptures,  singing  of  psalms, 
and  prayer,  than  to  axlmit  men  of  different  persuasions  ? 

Answered  in  the  affirmative. 

3.  Whether  it  be  justifiable  for  our  members  to  neglect  our  own 
appointed  meetings,  and  at  their  pleasure  go  to  hear  those  differing 
in  judgment  from  us  ? 

Answered  in  the  negative.     Heb.  x.  25. 

Brother  Joseph  Eaton  to  preach  the  Association  sermon  the  next 
year  ;  and  in  case  of  his  failure,  brother  Benjamin  Griffith  to  preach 
the  same. 

Minutes  of  the  case  between  the  Association  and  William  Davis, 
considered  September  30,  1734: — 

Respecting  the  crimes  alledged  against  him,  of  selling  two  books 
sent  him,  and  of  representing  us  in  a  wrong  light  to  Mr.  David  Bees 
and  Mr.  Hollis.  He,  upon  confession  of  his  faults,  was  pardoned  by 
the  Association. 

These  advices  and  directions  were  given  to  the  church  of  the  Great 
Valley  and  William  Davis : — 

1 .  That  William  Davis  should  give  himself  a  member  of  the  church 
at  the  Great  Valley,  and  those  that  were  baptized  by  him  shall  be 
examined  by  the  said  church,  or  by  a  committee  of  the  church  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose ;  and  if  they  be  satisfied,  then  the  persons 
may  be  received. 

2.  If  they  should  unanimously  agree  to  divide  and  constitute  them- 
selves in  two  separate  churches,  we  advise  that  they  be  so  divided 


SQ  MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   AlJOCIATION. 

and  ordered,  as  that  tliere  be  no  picTcing  and  choosing  in  the  case; 
that  is  to  say,  that  those  who  live  in  one  place  should  not  ^ive 
themselves  members  to  the  church  farthest  off,  for  any  reasons  arisincy 
from  biased  ends  or  inclinations,  or  already  received  partialities. 

3.  That,  on  the  proof  that  they  happen  to  jar  or  disagree,  or  any 
person  or  persons  be  dissatisfied,  whether  it  be  in  respect  to  their 
accommodating  the  present  peace  or  agreement,  or  of  hereafter 
dividing  themselves,  as  above  said,  if  they  proceed — that  in  such 
cases  they  shall  call  for  help  from  neighbouring  churches. 

We  conclude,  recommending  you  and  the  whole  work  into  the  hand 
of  God,  and  remain. 

Yours,  in  gospel  services  and  relations, 

John  Drake,  Samuel  Jones,  John  Donald, 

Jenkin  Jones,  John  Garret,  George  Eaton, 

Benjn.  Griffiths,  Abel  Morgan,  Hr.  Collett, 

John  Davis,  Enoch  Morgan,  John  Evans, 

Simon  Butler,  Owen  Thomas,  Garret  Wall, 

John  Dardis,  Joseph  Eaton,  Robert  Chalfant, 

Samuel  Osborne,  Jno.  Holmes,  John  Clarkson. 


John  Hart, 


1735. 


The  elders,  ministers,  and  messengers  of  the  baptized  congrega- 
tions in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  met  at  Philadelphia,  2Tth,  28th, 
and  29th  of  September,  A.  D.  1735. 

To  the  several  congregations  we  are  related  unto,  do  send  Christian 
salutation. 

Dearly  beloved  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  we  rejoice  to  see 
your  care  and  diligence  in  maintaining  this  annual  Association. 
It  is  comfortable  to  us  to  see  your  zeal  in  the  welfare  of  our 
Zion  in  general,  and  of  the  several  little  tabernacles  we  are  related 
unto  in  particular,  which  our  dear  Lord  hath  placed  in  these  remote 
parts.  We  have  reason  to  praise  God  that  you  are  preserved  from 
the  floods,  delusions,  errors,  and  other  manifold  temptations,  which 
have  hurled  many  away  from  the  faith  of  God,  and  from  holding  fast 
their  profession  and  duty  to  God  and  his  people.  Knowing  that  it  is 
your  expectation  to  hear  of,  and  also  our  duty  to  acquaint  you  with, 
our  affairs,  we  hereby  give  you  an  account  of  the  same.  We  met 
at  the  time  appointed,  and  perused  your  letters,  whereby  we  find 
most  of  the  churches  to  be  at  peace  and  unity,  which  we  heartily  pray 
God  to  preserve  where  it  is,  and  to  restore  where  it  is  not.  To  our 
great  joy  and  comfort  we  find  that  large  additions  have  been  made 
this  year  to  some  churches,  and  some  in  every  church  belonging  to 
this  body  ;  blessed  be  God  for  this  refreshing  news.  Our  ministering 
brethren  have  preached  several  of  the  important  truths  of  the  gospel,  to 
our  great  comfort,  which  we  hope  Almighty  God  will  water  with  his 
heavenly  blessing.  Dear  brethren,  as  God,  by  his  gospel,  hath  called 
you  with  an  holy  calling,  we  pray  God  that  you  may  be  fitted  and 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  37 

furnished  with  all  grace  to  adorn  your  profession,  and  make  you 
fruitful  vineyards  unto  himself,  that  your  conversation  may  shine 
with  gospel  purity,  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  his  rich  grace. 

In  the  year  1735,  upon  a  proposal  made,  that  a  book  should  be 
provided,  and  a  scribe  nominated  to  transcribe  the  minutes  of  the 
Association,  and  to  insert  therein  all  that  may  be  of  use  and  infor- 
mation to  their  successors ; — it  was  agreed  that  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones 
be  the  scribe,  and  Mr.  John  Holme  to  be  his  assistant.  But  it  failed 
then. 

Query.  If  any  member,  or  members,  of  a  congregation  grow  scru- 
pulous about  matters  merely  indifferent  in  themselves,  such  as  the 
mode  of  administration,  as  is  usual  in  our  churches,  or  the  quality 
of  the  bread  or  wine,  or  the  manner  of  serving,  as  the  cup  upon  a 
plate,  or  without,  making  the  same  a  matter  of  conscience,  and  there- 
upon totally  refrain  their  communion.  What  is  best  to  be  done  in 
such  a  case? 

Solution.  That  such  persons,  contending,  quarreling,  and  so 
refraining  church  communion  upon  such  light  grounds — since  such 
things  are  left  undetermined  by  our  great  Lawgiver — are  much  to 
be  blamed;  and  a  church  is  nowise  obliged  to  yield  to  such  vain 
humours,  but  may  continue  their  order,  according  to  the  rules  of 
expediency  and  harmless  decency,  and  deal  according  to  the  word 
with  such  delinquents ;  for  it  is  to  be  doubted  that  such  person  or 
persons  have  not  a  design  to  make  a  rupture,  seeing  the  matter  in 
debate  is  so  trivial. 

2.  Upon  a  motion  moved  by  some  members  of  the  Association : 
Whether  a  person  that  is  a  well-wisher  to  us,  and  desires  to  be 
admitted  a  member  into  a  church  far  distant  from  the  place  of  his 
abode;  whereas  a  church  of  the  same  order  is  nearer  to  him  than 
the  church  that  he  proposes  to  join  with;  whether  it  be  orderly  for 
the  distant  church  to  receive  such  an  one  ?  Yea  or  nay  ? 

Resolved  in  the  negative,  there  being  substantial  reasons  to  the 
contrary.  Such  practice  is  contrary  to  the  intendment,  in  institut- 
ing particular  churches. — See  Confession  of  Faith^  chap,  xxvii.  See 
also  our  Treatise  of  Discipline,  28,  29. 

Brother  Benjamin  Griffith  is  to  preach  the  Association  sermon  next 
year,  and  Brother  John  Davis  alternate. 

Recommending  you  to  the  blessing  of  heaven,  we  remain  yours  in 
the  dearest  of  bonds. 

Ebenezer  Smith,  James  Tapscot,  Jenkin  Jones, 

John  Manners,  William  Thomas,  Enoch  Morgan, 

Isaac  Whitten,  Owen  Thomas,  Nathaniel  Jenkins, 

Thomas  Curtis,  Benjamin  Griffith,  Hugh  David, 

George  Eaton,  Joseph  Eaton,  Jeremiah  Collett, 

Benjamin  Stelle,  John  Davis,  Joseph  Powell, 

John  Clarkson,  John  Holmes,  Griffith  Evans, 

Moses  Martin,  John  Hart,  Hugh  Evans. 

James  Cox,  John  Davis, 


^^  MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  A3S0CIATI0K. 

1736. 

In,  the  year  1736,  no  queries  appeared,  nor  any  request  made  to 
this  Association;  nevertheless,  the  Association  being  informed  of  a 
discord  and  contention  in  the  church  at  Montgomery,  did  nominate  and 
appoint  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones,  and  Mr.  Owen  Thomas,  ministers,  T\ith 
any  two  other  brethren  that  they  might  judge  serviceable,  to  visit, 
and  to  endeavour  to  conciliate  matters  between  them.  And  it  was 
accordingly  eifected. 

1737. 

In  the  year  1737,  there  came  no  requests  nor  queries  from  the 
churches;  and,  consequently,  no  other  from  the  Association,  but  a 
warm  and  loving  exhortation  to  diligence  and  watchfulness  in  our 
religious  duties,  and  to  maintain  the  great  and  necessary  doctrines 
of  the  Christian  religion ;  and,  in  particular,  to  be  steadfast  against 
errors,  and  faithful  in  belief  of  the  doctrine  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  of 
man's  creation,  fall,  restoration  by  grace  through  Christ,  the  real 
divine  and  human  nature  in  union  in  the  person  of  Christ. 

1738. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  congregations,  holding 
believers'  baptism  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  met  in  Associa- 
tion at  Philadelphia,  the  23d  day  of  September,  and  continued  to 
25th,  1738. 

To  the  several  congregations  we  represent,  we  wish  grace  and 
peace  from  God  our  Father,  and  oui'  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  may  be 
multiplied. 

"  Dearly  beloved  in  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the  gospel,  we  are 
glad  to  see  your  care  and  diligence  in  sending  your  messengers  to 
associate  in  this  manner,  hoping  it  proceeds  from  love  to  God,  and 
due  regard  to  the  general  interest  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  interest 
of  the  several  little  tabernacles  in  these  provinces.  At  the  close  of 
our  meeting,  according  to  our  practice  and  your  expectation,  we  send 
you  an  account  of  our  affairs  ;  we  perused  your  letters,  received  your 
messengers,  and,  by  your  letters,  we  have  been  informed  that  some 
have  been  added  this  year  to  most  of  the  churches,  and  we  rejoice  to 
hear  that  the  churches  are  in  peace  and  unity.  We  have  complaints 
of  much  coldness  and  indifference  in  the  things  of  God  and  the  con- 
cerns of  religion,  which,  we  hope,  are  not  only  by  way  of  compliment, 
but  from  a  sense  of  the  growing  evil.  We  beseech  you,  dear  breth- 
ren, be  earnest  with  God  in  prayer,  for  the  increase  of  your  graces  ; 
for,  where  these  graces  abound,  they  will  make  you  that  you  shall 
be  neither  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the  things  of  God.  Give  all  dili- 
gence to  make  your  calHng  and  election  sure.  Attend  upon  the 
means  of  grace.  Keep  close  to  your  respective  meetings.  Exhort 
and  admonish  one  another  in  love.  Endeavor  to  provoke  one  another 
to  love  and  good  works.  Have  a  special  care  to  maintain  a  sure  dis- 
cipline, as  well  as  doctrine.     Let  it  be  every  one's  endeavor  to  wait 


MiNUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.'  99' 

in  the  way  of  duty,  for  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  God  from  heaven ; 
for  he  that  cometh  will  come,  and  will  not  tarry,  and  will  faithfully 
reward  the  labors  of  his  faithful  servants.  In  due  time  we  shall  reap, 
if  we  faint  not.  We  recommend  you  to  God,  who  is  able  to  build  you 
up  in  the  holy  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  to  make  you  abound 
in  all  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  and,  by  his  power,  to  keep  you  through 
faith  unto  salvation.  We  remain  your  brethren  in  the  fellowship  of 
the  gospel." 

John  Davis,  David  Davis,  Enoch  Morgan, 

James  Cox,  John  Manners,  Jenkin  Jones, 

James  Mott,  John  Holmes,  David  Evans, 

Joshua  Martin,  Simon  Butler,  Ebenezer  Smith, 

Joseph  Powell,  John  Heart,  Benjamin  Griffith, 

Stephen  Shepherd,  John  CoAvard,  George  Eaton, 

Abel  Morgan,  Nath.  Jenkins,  Thomas  Davis. 

Eben'r  Kinnersly,  Joseph  Eaton, 

Query.  Whether  a  person,  ordained  by  laying  on  hands,  for  a 
ruling  elder,  who  should  afterwards  be  called  by  the  church,  by 
reason  of  his  gifts,  to  the  word  and  doctrine,  must  be  again  ordained 
by  imposition  of  hands  ?     Resolved  in  the  affirmative. 

Agreed,  that  since  the  catechisms  are  expended,  and  few  or  none 
to  be  had,  and  our  youth  thereby  not  likely  to  be  instructed  in  the 
fundaments  of  saving  knowledge,  that  the  several  congregations  we 
represent  should  consult  amongst  themselves  what  they  can  raise  of 
money  for  so  good  a  design,  and  send,  against  the  1st  of  May  next, 
by  their  letters,  to  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones  or  John  Holmes,  in  Philadel- 
phia, that  they  may  know  what  number  to  draw  out  of  the  press. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  Enoch  Morgan  preach  the  Association  sermon 
next  year ;  in  case  of  his  failure,  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones. 

1739. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  congregations  holding  believers' 
baptism  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  met  in  association  at  Phila- 
delphia, 22d  September,  1739. 

To  the  congregations  we  represent,  we  send  our  Christian 
salutation. 

Dearly  beloved  in  our  Lord  and  holy  Redeemer,  Jesus  Christ, 
and  in  the  fellowship  of  the  gospel  of  the  Son  of  God,  our  joy 
and  crown  of  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  his  appearing,  we  have  cause 
to  bless  God  in  your  behalf,  that  our  gracious  God  is  pleased  to  con- 
tinue us  so  many  candlesticks  to  hold  the  glorious  light  of  the  gospel 
in  these  remote  colonies ;  we  also  return  thanks,  brethren,  for  your 
care  and  diligence  in  sending  your  messengers  to  associate  with  us 
in  this  our  yearly  correspondence  together,  and  to  assist  in  the  work 
before  us.     We  think  it  meet,  according  to  your  desh-es,  to  give  you 


40  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

an  account  of  our  affairs  and  proceedings  at  this  time.  We  met  in 
love,  at  the  time  and  place  appointed.  After  hearing  a  sermon,  we 
perused  your  letters  and  received  your  messengers,  and  find  the 
churches  mostly  in  peace  amongst  themselves.  Additions  have  been 
made  in  some  churches.  As  we  met  in  love,  so  "we  lovingly  conferred 
together,  and  are  now  about  to  depart  in  peace.  Our  public  oppor- 
tunities have  been  so  employed,  that  we  hope,  by  the  blessing  of 
God  upon  the  labors  of  our  ministering  brethren,  it  will  be  to  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  souls.  Now,  dearly  beloved  of  us,  we 
hope  also  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself,  the  Lord  of  glory,  who 
hath  called  you  with  a  holy  calling,  we  exhort  you,  we  beseech  you 
by  the  tender  mercies  of  our  God,  that  you  walk  worthy  of  that  vo- 
cation wherewith  you  are  called,  that  your  conversation  may  shine 
with  gospel  purity  and  holiness,  that  you  behave  yourselves  as  the 
sons  of  God,  without  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of  this  crooked  and  pei'verse 
generation  with  whom  we  live.  Keep  close  with  God,  in  all  gospel 
duties.  Be  instant  in  prayer  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion.  Labor 
earnestly  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace ; 
love  one  another  with  a  pure  heart ;  that  so  you  prevent  the  great 
desire  of  Satan,  who  endeavors  to  sow  discord  and  animosities  among 
God's  people.  We  further  advise  those  churches  that  want  minis- 
terial help,  to  pray  earnestly  to  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  to  thrust 
forth  faithful  laborers  into  his  harvest;  and,  as  to  those  who  have 
ministerial  help,  we  exhort  them,  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  and  love, 
highly  to  prize  such  a  mercy,  and  bless  God  for  the  same,  and 
assist  them,  both  by  prayers  and  godly  conferences,  with  other  ne- 
cessaries, according  to  the  rule  of  God's  word. 

A  query  from  the  church  at  the  Great  Valley :  In  case  that  mem- 
bers will  absent  themselves  from  the  communion  of  the  church,  and 
will  give  no  reason  for  their  so  absenting,  nor  any  account  why  they 
withdrew,  notwithstanding  messengers  have  been  sent  to  such  divers 
times,  what  ought  the  church  to  do  further? 

Solution.  That  the  church  shall  send  messengers  once  more  to 
such,  to  inform  them,  that  if  they  further  absent  themselves,  without 
giving  sufficient  reason,  the  church  may  deal  with  such  offenders  as 
covenant  breakers,  and  as  despisers  of  the  authority  that  is  given  to 
the  church  by  Christ  her  head. 

In  answer  to  a  proposal  from  Montgomery,  concerning  the  keeping 
of  the  present  Association,  whether  it  be  as  usual,  or  altered  ? 

Resolved,  that  it  be  continued  as  usual  the  present  year,  and  other 
general  meetings  at  the  discretion  of  the  churches  where  they  are 
appointed ;  and  if  the  churches  desire  the  method  of  the  Association 
altered,  let  them  consult  unanimously,  and  insert  the  same  in  next 
year's  letters. 

Upon  a  proposal  made  by  a  member  of  this  Association,  that  some 
better  method  should  be  taken  to  keep  up  and  maintain  this  present 
Association  more  regularly  than  it  hath  been  heretofore. 

Resolved,  that  a  copy  of  the  same  be  transmitted  to  every  congre- 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  41 

gation  relating   to  this  body,  that  it  may  be  concluded  upon  at  the 
next  meeting. 

Agreed,  that  Brother  Owen  Thomas  is  to  preach  next  year  ;  in 
case  of  failure,  Brother  Jenkin  Jones. 

John  Stelle,  John  Davis,  Jenkin  Jones, 

Thomas  Curtis,  Daniel  Davis,  Joseph  Eaton, 

Richard  Whiting,  John  Bentle,  Hugh  David, 

George  Eaton,  John  Manners,  John  Davis, 

David  Evans,  Enoch  Morgan,  Thomas  Jones, 

John  Wooledge,  Owen  Thomas,  John  Holme. 


James  Tapscott, 


1740. 


The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  congregations  of  the 
people  owning  believers'  baptism  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys, 
meeting  in  Association  at  Philadelphia,  September  27th,  1740  : 

To  the  churches  we  are  related  to  in  gospel  order,  we  send  our  gos- 
pel salutation. 

Dearly  beloved  and  highly  favored  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  we  wish 
increase  of  grace,  that  you  may  abound  in  all  good  works  to  the 
praise  of  him  who  hath  called  you  from  darkness  into  his  mar- 
vellous light,  that  you  may  be  owned  and  approved  as  so  many  de- 
lightful gardens  or  fruitful  fields,  receiving  plentiful  blessings  from 
the  God  of  heaven.  Brethren,  we  hope  your  prayers  for  us  have  been 
accepted  at  the  throne  of  Zion's  King,  and  that  we  have  experienced 
the  fruits  of  them  in  the  warm,  afiectionate  love  we  saluted  each 
other  with,  and  the  glorious  truths  of  the  gospel,  held  forth  amongst 
us  with  all  clearness  and  power,  as  also  in  the  peace  and  harmony 
that  appeared  in  our  proceedings,  wherein  faith  or  discipline  were  con- 
cerned, though,  perhaps,  in  some  other  things,  we  might  have  differ- 
ent apprehensions.  We  have  great  ground  of  rejoicing  in  the  grace 
of  God  towards  you,  and  of  praising  the  Author  and  Giver,  when  we 
hear  of  your  steadfast  cleaving  to  the  Lord  in  his  ways  and  worship  ; 
that  the  power  of  hell  hath  not  been  able  to  blow  you  away,  nor  to 
hinder  your  growth  and  numbers,  which  we  find  to  be  very  consider- 
able the  last  year,  God  owning  the  labors  of  his  poor  instruments. 
This  calls  for  our  and  your  thanks  abundantly.  We  beseech  you,  in 
the  bowels  of  love,  to  go  on  in  the  strength  of  your  God.  Pray 
earnestly  that  he  would  stablish  you  and  keep  you  from  falling.  You 
virgin  professors,  shake  off  sloth  and  slumber,  the  bridegroom  is  at 
the  door !  Search  well  your  vessels  ;  see  that  you  have  the  true  oil 
of  the  Spirit.  Take  heed  of  counterfeit  grace.  Rest  not  on  the  outside 
of  the  ark,  but  enter  in  at  the  right  door ;  that  you  may  be  secured 
in  the  flood  of  great  waters  from  being  swallowed  up  and  lost.  It  is 
an  easy  thing  to  profess  Christ  when  the  secular  power  draws  not  its 
sword  against  religion ;  but  it  is  dangerous,  nevertheless,  for  such  to 
be  asleep  and  careless,  for  the  adversary  hath  golden  baits ;  in  days 
of  peace,  he  glosses  and  beautifies  errors  and  false  doctrine,  so  that 

6 


4/2^  MlT<fUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

they  are  swallowed  without  chewing.  It  concerns  all  that  would  keep 
their  garments  undefiled,  to  try  the  spirits  by  the  Scripture,  and  get 
the  evidence  of  the  Spirit  of  truth  in  your  hearts,  that  you  may  not 
be  cozened  or  cheated  of  true  faith ;  that  you  may  not  take  the  apples 
of  Sodom,  instead  of  the  saving  fruits  of  the  true  tree  of  life,  which 
is  in  the  midst  of  the  Paradise  of  God.  Walk  in  love,  peace,  and 
holiness,  adorning  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things. 

Furthermore,  we  earnestly  entreat  you  to  approve,  use,  and  exer- 
cise yourselves  in  all  the  duties  enjoined  on  you  in  the  charter  of  our 
salvation,  and  the  institutions  of  worship,  commanded  by  the  Lord 
Jesus  therein.  Take  heed  of  prejudice  against  any  part  of  God's 
will  recorded  in  the  gospel.  Be  impartial  and  universal  in  your  obe- 
dience to  all.  Keep  constantly,  as  much  as  you  may,  your  own 
meetings.  Break  not  through  nor  step  over  the  hedge  of  the  gospel 
government.  Have  a  tender  regard  for  help,  and  encourage  those 
that  minister  unto  you  in  holy  things,  and  if  there  be  any  promising 
gifts  arising,  nourish  the  same  with  love  and  acceptance.  The 
harvest  is  great,  but  the  laborers  are  few;  pray  that  God  would 
thrust  out  laborers  into  his  vineyard. 

Thus  we  commend  you  to  God  and  the  word  of  his  grace,  who  is 
able  to  establish  you  to  the  end,  and  make  you  meet  for  the  incor- 
ruptible inheritance :  to  whom  be  glory,  now  and  for  ever.     Amen. 

We  are  your  brethren  in  Christ  and  the  fellowship  of  the  gospel. 


Evan  Loyd, 
Richard  Whittan, 
John  Watson, 
Evan  James, 
John  Manners, 
Henry  Hareys, 
James  Mott, 
Joshua  Martin, 
John  Holmes, 
Simon  Butler, 
John  Davis, 


Job  Shepherd, 
Jeremiah  Collett, 
Robert  Chalfant, 
Thomas  Edmunds, 
Griffith  Evans, 
Benjamin  Stelle, 
William  Thomas, 
Thomas  Jones, 
George  Eaton, 
John  Coward, 


James  Jones, 
John  Remington, 
Nathaniel  Jenkins, 
Jenkin  Jones, 
Owen  Thomas, 
Joseph  Eaton, 
Benjamin  Griffiths, 
John  Davis, 
Abel  Morgan, 
David  Davis. 


Brother  Jenkin  Jones  is  to  preach  the  Association  sermon  next 
year ;  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  Benjamin  Griffith. 

A  query  from  Cohansie :  Whether  a  pious  person,  of  the  number 
of  Pedo-Baptists,  who  forbears  to  have  his  own  children  sprinkled, 
may  be  admitted  in  to  our  communion  without  being  baptized  ?  And 
doth  not  the  refusing  admittance  to  such  an  one,  discover  want  of 
charity  in  a  church  so  refusing  ? 

Given  to  vote,  and  passed  all  in  the  negative.  Nemine  contra- 
dicente. 

Reasons  annexed.  1.  It  is  not  for  want  of  charity  that  we  thus 
answer.  Our  practice  shows  the  contrary ;  for  we  baptize  none  but 
Buch  as,  in  the  judgment  of  charity,  have  grace,  being  unbaptized; 
but  it  is  because  we  find,  in  the  commission,  that  no  unbaptized  per- 


MINUTES   OT   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATIOK.  4^ 

sons  are  to  be  admitted  into  church  communion.  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20 ; 
Mark  xvi.  16.     Compare  Acts  ii.  41 ;  1  Cor.  xii.  13. 

2.  Because  it  is  the  church's  duty  to  maintain  the  ordinances  as 
they  are  deHvered  to  us  in  Scripture :  2  Thess.  ii.  15 ;  1  Cor.  xi.  2 ; 
Isa.  viii.  20. 

3.  Because  we  cannot  see  it  agreeable,  in  any  respect,  for  the 
procuring  that  unity,  unfeigned  love,  and  undistm-bed  peace,  which 
is  required,  and  ought  to  be  in  and  among  Christian  communities. 
1  Cor.  i.  10 ;  Eph.  iv.  3. 

Query  2,  from  Piscataqua:  Whether  it  is  regular  to  baptize  per- 
sons proposing  for  baptism,  upon  the  plea  that  they  may  be  at  liberty 
to  communicate  where  they  please  ? 

Answered  in  the  negative.  Nemine  contra  dicente,  for  these 
reasons : — 

1.  Because,  in  the  great  commission,  we  are  commanded  to  teach 
and  observe  all  things  which  Christ  hath  enjoined  upon  us  in  the 
gospel.     Matt,  xxviii.  20. 

2.  Because  it  is  not  agreeable  to  the  practice  of  the  Apostles,  who 
acted  according  to  the  said  commission,  as  appears  by  Acts  ii.  41, 42, 
compared  with  2  Cor.  viii.  5. 

3.  Because  such  a  practice  is  directly  destructive  to  all  gospel  rule, 
order,  and  discipline ;  for  by  such  way  all  offences  and  irregularities, 
yea,  even  the  most  scandalous  immoralities  and  fundamental  errors 
must  escape  without  proper  censures,  according  to  the  gospel  rule, 
Matt,  xviii.  17;  Rom.  xvi.  17;  Phil.  iii.  16,  17;  1  Cor.  v.  5;  xi.  16, 
and  xiv.  32,  33. 

Added  to  the  several  churches  belonging,  in  gospel  love,  to  this 
Association,  by  baptism,  the  past  year,  one  hundred  and  eleven  souls. 

1741. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  churches  holding  believ- 
ers' baptism  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  met  in  Association  at 
Philadelphia,  September  26,  1741. 

To  the  churches  we  represent,  send  greeting. 

Dearly  beloved  in  the  most  excellent  relation  in  the  gospel  of  Jesus 
Christ,  our  fellow  soldiers  in  spiritual  warfare,  our  fellow  servants  in 
the  kingdom  and  patience  of  our  dear  Lord,  our  joy  and  crown  of 
rejoicing  at  the  day  of  his  appearing.  We  met  together  at  the  time 
appointed,  and,  after  a  suitable  sermon  preached,  we  perused  your 
letters  and  accepted  your  messengers.  We  found,  by  your  letters,  to 
our  great  comfort,  that  the  churches  in  general  are  at  peace  :  many 
have  been  added  to  their  numbers.  We  have  cause  to  hope  our 
blessed  God  will  yet  dwell  among  his  little  tabernacles,  which  he  hath 
erected  in  this  wilderness.  We  are  glad  to  hear  of  your  unanimous 
reception  of  what  we  offered  in  answer  to  your  queries  last  year.  We 
desire  the  churches  may  often  be  reminded  of  such  solutions,  which 
greatly  tend  to  preserving  the  gospel  order  among  the  churches. 
Dear  brethren,  we  met  and  conferred  together  in  love,  concord,  and 


44  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

harmonious  unity  among  ourselves  in  our  private  meetings  and  prayers 
to  God.  Our  ministering  brethren  have  been  enabled  to  preach  upon 
important  subjects,  to  our  great  satisfaction,  and,  we  hope,  to  the 
benefit  of  many  souls.  We  are  now  ready  to  part  likewise  in  love. 
We  hope  our  God  will  bring  us  to  our  respective  homes  again  in 
safety,  to  the  mutual  comfort  of  both  you  and  us  ;  and  we  exhort 
you,  with  the  bowels  of  Christian  love,  yea,  we  beseech  you,  in  and 
by  the  tender  mercies  of  our  God,  to  remember  you  are  called  to 
glory  and  virtue.  Endeavor  to  arise  and  set  a  due  value  on  your 
privileges  in  the  house  of  God.  Remember,  holiness  becometh  his 
house  for  ever.  Endeavor  to  give  all  diligence  to  approve  yourselves 
as  sons  of  God  without  rebuke.  Gird  up  the  loins  of  your  mind  and 
be  sober.  Neglect  not  the  assembling  of  yourselves  together.  Hold 
fast  the  form  of  sound  words  in  faith  and  love  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus.  Hold  the  truths  declared  to  you  in  the  gospel.  Keep  close  to 
sound  doctrine.  Adhere  to  gospel  discipline  and  order,  to  the  end 
that  it  may  keep  you  pure.  Shun  all  disorders  and  disorderly  per- 
sons. Do  all  your  things  in  love.  Be  affectionate  one  towards 
another.  Keep  continual  correspondence  with  God  in  prayer,  and 
promote  religion  in  your  families.  The  God  of  all  consolation  be 
with  you,  and  bless  you  with  all  grace  and  gifts,  sanctify  you  and 
fit  you  for  a  habitation  unto  himself,  by  his  Spirit,  while  here,  and 
make  you  meet  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  hereafter. 
We  recommend  you  to  God,  who  is  able  to  make  you  persevere  unto 
the  end. 

Joseph  Stillwell,  John  Davis,  Jenkin  Jones, 

John  Manners,  Reynold  Howell,  Joseph  Eaton, 

Hugh  Evans,  John  Beckingham,         Benjamin  Griffith, 

Joshua  Potts,  Richard  Hall,  John  Davis, 

David  Evans,  John  Garrett,  Abel  Morgan, 

George  Eaton,  Owen  Thomas,  David  Davis. 

Queries  from  the  Great  Valley  : 

1st  Query.  Suppose  a  difference  happening  between  two  of  the 
brethren,  and  both  refer  their  difference  to  the  church  to  be  deter- 
mined ;  and  the  church  take  upon  them  to  pass  a  judgment  upon  the 
matter  in  debate,  according  to  the  best  of  their  understanding,  and 
according  to  Scripture  rule ;  yet  one  of  the  parties  is  dissatisfied 
with  the  judgment,  though  he  cannot  render  any  substantial  reason 
for  his  so  doing:  what  may  be  done  with  the  brother  so  contending? 

Solution.  The  Association  having  maturely  considered  the  mattei', 
according  to  the  best  light  we  could  obtain,  cannot  help  but  to  judge 
that  the  church  acted  rightly ;  and  we  judge  the  contending  person 
worthy  of  reproof,  because  he,  having  submitted  and  preferred  the  mat- 
ter to  the  church  for  final  determination,  yet,  contrary  to  what  might 
be  expected  from  him  as  a  man,  much  more  as  a  Christian,  refused 
to  comply  with  the  church's  determination ;  (except  the  said  person 
can  give  substantial  and  convincing  reasons  to  make  it  appear  that 
the  church  was  not  well  informed  of  the  matter;)  as  Matt,  xviii.  17. 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  45 

2d  Query.  Suppose  a  brother  is  put  out  of  his  full  communion  in 
the  church,  upon  some  dissatisfaction  at  his  conduct,  and  afterwards 
shall  give  satisfaction  to  the  majority  of  the  church,  by  confession 
of  his  fault ;  but  some  are  not  satisfied,  and  have  no  substantial 
reason  to  render  for  the  same,  what  may  the  church  do  in  such 
a  case  ? 

Solution.  We  advise  the  church  and  the  persons  dissatisfied  to  use 
moderation  for  some  time,  and  endeavor,  by  private  means,  to  gain 
the  dissatisfied  party.  If  that  fails,  at  your  monthly  meeting,  urge 
such  persons  to  produce  sufiicient  reasons  for  their  dissatisfaction; 
and  for  want  of  such  reasons,  or  upon  their  refusing  to  produce  such 
reasons,  the  church  may  deal  with  such  as  disorderly  persons,  accord- 
ing to  Rom.  xvi.  17,  18 ;  1  Cor.  xi.  16,  and  xiv.  33. 

Brother  Benjamin  Griffith  is  to  preach  the  Association  sermon  next 
year ;  Brother  Joseph  Eaton  in  case  of  failure. 

1742. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  baptized  congregations  in  Penn- 
sylvania and  the  Jerseys,  met  in  Association  at  Philadelphia,  Sep- 
tember 25,  1742. 

Send  our  Christian  salutation. 
•  Dearly  beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus, — ^We  are  heartily  glad  to  hear 
how  you  have  been  preserved  hitherto,  as  so  many  tabernacles  upon 
which  is  the  name  of  the  Lord,  notwithstanding  the  many  enemies 
and  oppositions  you  have  to  deal  with.  Surely  it  is  an  evident 
demonstration  that  you  have  the  Lord  on  your  side.  We  commend 
you,  brethren,  for  your  care  and  diligence  to  continue  to  walk  with 
God,  also  your  faithfulness  in  sending  to  maintain  this  our  annual 
Association.  We  met  in  the  love  and  unity  of  the  gospel  of  Christ, 
and,  after  an  Association  sermon  was  preached,  we  perused  your  letters 
and  received  your  messengers,  as  the  lovely  tokens  of  Christian  friend- 
ship. Our  consultations  have  been  very  agreeable  to  gospel  fellow- 
ship. We  trust  we  can  say  the  Lord  hath  been  amongst  us  power- 
f.illy,  enabling  our  ministering  brethren  in  the  work  of  the  gospel,  so 
tliat  several  excellent  truths  of  that  gospel  have  been  evidently 
displayed,  such  as  had  a  direct  tendency  to  the  good  of  souls,  both 
of  saints  and  sinners.  It  rejoices  us  very  much  to  hear  that  most  of 
the  churches  have  peace  among  themselves.  Blessed  be  God,  the 
additions  this  past  year  are  sixty- seven.  It  seems  plain  that  the  Lord 
is  yet  visiting  his  churches  with  the  manifestations  of  his  mercy  and 
grace.  We  entreat  you,  therefore,  in  the  bowels  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ,  to  see  your  calling,  brethren;  to  prize  your  places  and 
stations  in  the  house  of  God.  Improve  the  privileges  you  enjoy  by 
holy  walking,  as  becometh  saints ;  keep  your  places  in  the  churches 
according  to  your  covenant ;  take  heed  you  do  not  neglect  your  own 
assemblies;  be  not  carried  away  with  every  wind  of  doctrine,  but 
walk  steadily  in  all  the  ways  of  religion;  keep  close  to  God  in  family 
duties ;  make  conscience  of  the  life  of  religion  between  God  and  your 


I 


MINUTES   OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


souls  in  secret;  take  heed  that  your  conversation  be  agreeable  to 
your  profession ;  endeavor  always  to  carry  a  conscience  void  of 
offence  before  God  and  men;  keep  yourselves  clean  from  the  pollu- 
tion of  sin,  and  from  the  vain,  wicked  world.  Now  the  God  of  peace 
be  with  you,  to  bless  and  sanctify  you  more  and  more,  that  you  may 
abound  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  his  rich 
grace,  through  Jesus ;  is  the  hearty  desire  of  your  beloved  brethren 
in  the  gospel. 

A  motion  was  made  in  the  Association  for  reprinting  the  Confes- 
sion of  faith,  set  forth  by  the  elders  of  baptized  congregations,  met  in 
London,  A.  D.  1689,  with  a  short  treatise  of  church  discipline,  to  be 
annexed  to  the  Confession  of  faith.  Agreed,  that  the  thing  was  needful 
and  likely  to  be  very  useful;  and  in  order  to  carry  it  on,  it  is  ordered 
to  send  it  to  the  several  churches  belonging  to  this  Association ;  to  make 
a  trial  of  what  sums  of  money  can  be  raised,  and  to  send  an  account 
to  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones,  to  the  intent,  that  when  the  several  collections 
are  computed,  if  it  be  found  sufficient  to  defray  the  charges  of  the 
work,  that  then  it  shall  go  on ;  if  not,  then  to  drop  it  for  this  year ; 
and  if  it  be  carried  on,  that  then  an  addition  of  two  articles  be  therein 
inserted:  that  is  to  say,  concerning  singing  of  psalms  in  the  worship 
of  God,  and  laying  of  hands  upon  baptized  believers.  Ordered,  also, 
that  the  said  Mr.  Jones  and  Benjamin  Griffith  do  prepare  a  short 
treatise  of  discipline,  to  be  annexed  to  the  said  Confession  of  faith.  . 


Thos.  Curtis, 
Job  Warford, 
Stephen  Shepherd, 
Joshua  Potts, 
Nath.  Evans, 
John  Bently, 
John  Beckingham, 
James  Mott, 
David  Davis, 


Abel  Morgan, 
John  Davis, 
\Ym.  Marshall, 
Job  Shepherd, 
John  Coward, 
Richd.  Winter, 
Robt.  Chalfant, 
Danl.  Howell, 
Jenkin  Jones, 


Owen  Thomas, 
Joseph  Eaton, 
Ben.  Stelle, 
Thomas  Jones, 
George  Eaton, 
John  Davis, 
Peter  Nesherman. 


1743. 

The  elders,  ministers,  and  messengers  of  the  several  congregations, 
baptized  on  profession  of  faith,  meeting  at  Philadelphia,  the  24th  of 
September,  1743,  and  continued  by  adjournment  to  the  28th  of  the 
same  month. 

Unto  the  several  churches,  we  send  our  loving  and  Christian  salu- 
tation. 

Dearly  beloved  in  our  glorious  Redeemer, — We  are  very  much 
refreshed  in  beholding  your  readiness  in  sending  your  messengers 
among  us,  and  we  bless  God  for  the  grace  bestowed  upon  you,  so  as 
to  unite  you,  as  we  hope,  first  to  Christ,  and  then  to  one  another  in 
church  relation,  whereby  you  are  capacitated,  with  united  hearts, 
to  send  your  comfortable  letters,  wherein  we  find  our  churches,  in 
general,  at  peace  and  unity,  and  some  increase  in  most  of  them. 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PniLADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  47 

We  hope  God  has  answered  your  prayers  for  us ;  for  we  mot  in  love, 
had  the  necessary  and  precious  truths  of  the  gospel  publicly  dis- 
pensed with  much  warmth  and  clearness;  continued  in  love  and 
meekness  in  our  debates  and  consultations;  though  we  have  been 
concerned  in  tedious  and  difficult  business,  which  has  not  been  the 
trouble  of  former  Associations  in  these  parts.  Now  we  are  to  part 
from  one  another  to  our  respective  homes,  after  we  have  given  you 
some  necessary  counsels. 

Beloved  brethren,  we  desire  you  in  the  bowels  of  love  to  stand 
fast  in  defence  of  the  necessary  truths  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  con- 
cerning right  faith  and  obedience;  give  up  yourselves  to  the  study 
of  the  word,  and  hold  fast  the  profession  of  your  faith  without  waver- 
ing, in  these  shaking  and  wavering  days ;  neglect  no  duty  that  the 
gospel  requires.  We  fear  there  are  many  among  you  who  neglect 
pvayer  in  and  with  your  families.  Oh  sad !  What  life  of  religion 
can  there  be  in  such  a  Sardis-like  state !  having  a  name  to  live,  and 
at  the  same  time  dead ;  without  breath  or  panting  after  God.  Keep 
up  your  stated  meetings ;  worship  the  Lord  on  his  day,  and  other 
appointed  seasons ;  forsake  not  the  assembling  yourselves  together ; 
it  is  a  dishonor  to  Christ,  a  discouragement  to  your  ministers,  and 
weakening  the  hands  and  grieving  the  hearts  of  your  fellow-members, 
who  have  the  credit  of  religion  and  the  prosperity  of  Zion  at  heart. 
Bear  one  another's  burdens ;  withdraw  not  your  shoulders  from  help- 
ing one  another ;  let  not  carnal  interest,  or  a  selfish,  stiff,  stubborn 
humor,  prevent  your  kind  and  generous  contribution  to  the  necessity 
of  the  poor,  or  supporting  your  ministers,  or  the  carrying  on  of  any 
public  work,  which  may  be  necessary  to  the  decent  and  commodious 
worshiping  of  the  Lord,  who  giveth  all  you  enjoy.  Let  your  light 
shine  before  men;  walk  in  the  paths  of  virtue,  holiness,  and  pure 
conversation.  Glorify  God  before  the  world: — it  is  pleasing  unto 
him,  and  makes  way,  by  growing  and  continuing  therein,  for  your 
comfort  and  peace  in  this  life,  and  will  administer  boldness,  and  an 
abundant  entrance  unto  you,  in  the  end,  into  that  glorious  kingdom 
prepared  for  the  doers  of  God's  will.  : 

Tuesday,  the  house  met  according  to  appointment,  at  8  o'clock,  a.m., 
to  consider  further  the  affair  begun  yesterday,  touching  the  differ- 
ences at  Montgomery.  After  some  time  spent  in  debate  thereon, 
brother  Joseph  Eaton  stood  up,  and  freely,  to  our  apprehension, 
recanted,  renounced,  and  condemned  all  expressions,  which  he  here- 
tofore had  used,  whereby  his  brethren  at  Montgomery,  or  any  persons 
elsewhere,  were  made  to  believe  that  he  departed  from  the  literal 
sense  and  meaning  of  that  fundamental  article  in  our  Confession  of 
faith,  concerning  the  eternal  generation  and  Sonship  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord;  he  acknowledged  with  grief  his  misconduct'therein,  whether 
by  word  or  deed.  We  desiie  that  all  our  churches  wo:  id  take  notice 
thereof,  and  have  a  tender  regard  for  him  in  his  we^k  and  aged  years, 
and  in  particular,  of  that  great  truth  upon  which  the  Clrfistian  reli- 
gion depends  ;  without  which  it  must  not  only  totter,  but  ^/'\  to  the 
ground;  which  he  confesses  he  was  sometimes  douhtful  of.     Our 


48  MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

brother  Butler,  gave  his  acknowledgement,  written  in  his  own 
hand,  in  the  following  words  : — "  I  freely  confess  that  I  have  given 
too  much  cause  for  others  to  judge  that  I  contradicted  our  Confession 
of  faith,  concerning  the  eternal  generation  of  the  Son  of  God,  in 
some  expressions  contained  in  my  paper,  which  I  now  with  freedom 
condemn,  and  am  sorry  for  my  so  doing,  and  for  every  other  miscon- 
duct that  I  have  been  guilty  of,  from  first  to  last,  touching  the  said 
article,  or  any  other  matter." 

Dear  People :  We  pray  God  you  would  content  yourselves  and  be 
satisfied  with  the  revealed  will  of  God,  concerning  the  unutterable, 
as  well  as  inconceivable,  mysteries  of  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
three  in  one,  and  one  in  three,  the  co-essentiality,  the  co-eternity, 
and  co-equality,  of  the  three  glorious  Persons  in  one  eternal  God ; 
and  that  you  sufi"er  not  a  vain  and  over-curious  search  to  be  made 
thereinto  by  human  reason  and  worldly  wisdom.  A  number  in 
one  of  our  churches  having  suffered  themselves  to  inquire  therein, 
according  to  aforesaid  rules  of  human  reason  and  worldly  wisdom, 
have  been  so  entangled  and  confused,  that  they  were  carried  so  far 
as  to  question  the  Sonship  of  the  second  Person,  as  he  is  God,  with- 
out having  reference  to  his  manhood  and  mediatory  ofiices ;  which 
conception  and  supposition  we  not  only  disallow,  but  abhor  and  con- 
demn, and  are  glad  that  God  hath  blessed  means  to  convict  the  said 
parties  of  their  sin  and  error;  and  herein  we  were  7iemine  contra 
dicente,  fully  united  to  repel,  and  put  a  stop  to,  as  far  as  we  may, 
unto  the  Arian,  Socinian,  and  Antitrinitarian  systems;  protesting 
unto  the  world  our  joint  belief  of,  and  our  resolution  to  maintain,  the 
eternal  and  inconceivable  generation  of  the  second  Person  in  the 
ever  adorable  Trinity;  and  have,  we  hope,  prevailed  efiectually,  so 
as  to  bring  the  persons  chiefly  concerned,  as  questioning  the  same,  to 
a  free  confession  of  their  mistake  therein. 

And  now,  dear  brethren,  we  conclude,  praying  God  to  bless  you 
with  increase  of  grace  and  numbers ;  and  that  you  would  not  only 
read  our  advice  over,  and  then  put  it  by,  but  practice  what,  in  love, 
we  send  unto  you ;  that  God  may  be  glorified,  love  abound,  the  peace 
of  the  community  continue  and  strengthen.  May  you  be  daily  made 
meet  for  Christ's  eternal  embraces.     Amen. 

We  had  a  copy  of  discipline  designed  to  be  annexed  to  our  Con- 
fession of  faith,  by  an  order  of  a  former  Association,  read  and  con- 
sidered at  this  meeting,  and  approved  by  the  whole  house. 

Brother  David  Davis  to  preach  the  next  Association  sermon;  in 
case  of  failure,  brother  Abel  Morgan. 

Nathaniel  Jenkins,  Scribe. 
Jno.  Bently,  Jeremiah  Hand,  John  Davis, 

Jno.  Garrett,  Wm.  Smith,  Job  Shephard, 

James  Davis,  Wm.  Fowler,  George  Eaton, 

Jeffrey  Bently,  Jenkin  Jones,  Moses  Shephard, 

Joshua  Potts,  Owen  Thomas,  Dano  Evans, 

Wm.  Folwell,  Wm.  Davies,  John  Griffith, 

James  Mott,  Abel  Morgan,  Reynold  Howell. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  49 

1744. 

The  Association  convened  September  22cl,  1744.  Query  from  the 
church  of  Bethlehem  :  Suppose  a  person  baptized  by  a  man,  who 
takes  upon  him  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  proceeds  to  administer  the 
ordinances  without  a  regular  call  or  ordination  from  any  church; 
whether  the  person  so  baptized  may  be  admitted  into  any  orderly 
church.     Yea  or  nay  ? 

Resolved  :  We  cannot  encourage  such  irregular  proceedings  ;  be- 
cause it  hath  ill  consequences  every  way  attending  it ;  it  is  also  oppo- 
site to  our  discipline.  We  therefore  give  our  sentiments  that  such 
administrations  are  irregular,  invalid,  and  of  no  effect. 

Agreed,  that  the  messengers  of  the  churches  shall  meet  next  year 
on  Wednesday  before  the  fourth  Sunday  in  September. 

Upon  a  request  made  to  the  Association  by  Simon  Butler,  it  was 
agreed  and  appointed  that  our  brethren,  Nathaniel  Jenkins,  Owen 
Thomas,  Benjamin  Stelle,  and  Thomas  Jones,  visit  the  church  of 
Montgomery  on  Wednesday  after  the  first  Sunday  in  November  next^ 
in  order  to  try  to  accommodate  the  difference  amongst  them. 

1745. 

The  Association  convened  on  Wednesday,  the  18th  of  September, 
1745.  Agreed  and  concluded,  pursuant  to  requests  made  by  the 
church  of  Bethlehem  and  brethren  about  Cranberry,  that  our  reverend 
brethren,  Nathaniel  Jenkins  and  Jenkin  Jones,  be  at  Bethlehem  the 
fourth  Sunday  in  October,  to  assist  at  the  ordination  of  Thomas 
Curtis ;  and  the  Friday  after  being  the  first  day  of  November,  they 
are  to  be  at  Cranberry,  in  order  to  settle  the  members  there  in  church 
order. 

The  procedure  of  four  messengers,  sent  by  the  x\ssociation  the 
year  before,  was  brought  to  the  house  by  a  report  in  writing,  and 
read ;  and  the  question  was  put  to  the  house,  whether  it  was  ap- 
proved as  reported. 

Resolved  in  the  affirmative.  The  report  itself  is  not  inserted,  be- 
cause Simon  Butler  and  his  party  did  not  acquiesce  with  the  deter- 
mination. 

A  question  being  put  to  the  house :  Whether  the  messengers 
from  the  church  of  Montgomery  be  received  as  members  of  this 
Association  ? 

Resolved  in  the  affirmative.  Accordingly,  David  Evans,  Daniel 
Davis,  and  Daniel  Griffith  were  received. 

Concluded,  that  the  Association  continue  as  now  kept,  on  Wednes- 
day before  the  fourth  Sunday  in  September,  and  the  sermon  begin 
at  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

1746. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  congregations  baptized  upon 
profession  of  faith,  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  met  at  Phila- 
delphia, the  24th  day  of  September,  1746. 

7 


50 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


To  the  several  churches  we  relate  unto,  sending  Christian  salu- 
tations. 

Dearly  beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus,  our  joy  and  crown  of  rejoicing 
in  the  day  of  his  appearing, — We  rejoice  to  see  your  care  and  diligence 
in  maintaining  annual  correspondence  and  Christian  fellowship  in  the 
gospel  of  Christ.  We,  your  representatives,  being  met  together  in 
love  and  gospel  affection,  having  perused  your  letters,  to  the  general 
comfort,  find  that  our  churches  are  at  peace  and  unity,  having  had, 
in  most  of  them,  some  additions,  and,  in  some  of  them,  a  very  con- 
siderable this  last  year.  Blessed  be  the  great  God  and  Father  of 
mercies  for  his  g-oodness  towards  us  on  this  behalf.  Our  consulta- 
tions  have  been  loving  and  unanimous,  without  any  contradictions  or 
heats  in  debate.  We  have  had  several  things  under  consideration, 
a  narrative  of  which  we  shall  hereunto  annex. 

Now,  dear  brethren  and  fellow  Christians,  we  exhort  you  to  study 
and  follow  after  those  things  that  tend  to  peace  and  unity,  pro- 
voking one  another  to  love  and  good  works,  not  neglecting  the  as- 
sembling yourselves  together,  as  the  manner  of  too  many  is,  to  the 
great  loss  and  detriment  of  the  whole  body  whereunto  they  belong, 
and  showing  a  bad  example  to  others. 

Be  diligent  in  reading  the  holy  Scriptures,  which  are  our  only 
rule  of  faith  and  obedience,  without  which  we  can  have  no  saving 
knowledge  of  God,  or  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Redeemer  and  hope.  Put 
meditation  also  into  practice,  without  which  we  cannot  expect  to  profit. 
Pray  without  ceasing,  in  public  and  private,  to  the  God  of  all  grace, 
for  the  teaching  and  guidance  of  his  Spirit,  and  his  blessing  to  ac- 
company your  endeavors,  and  those  of  your  ministers. 

Brethren,  we  commend  you  to  God  and  the  word  of  his  grace, 
praying  that  he  would  preserve  you  and  us  from  enormities  and  im- 
moralities in  life,  and  make  us  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inherit- 
ance of  the  saints  in  light,  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  to  whom  be  glory  everlasting. 


Jenkin  Jones, 
Owen  Thomas, 
Benjamin  Grilfith, 
Benjamin  Stelle, 
John  Davis, 
Abel  Morgan, 
James  Carman, 
David  Davis, 
Thomas  Jones, 
Joshua  Potts, 
William  Marshall, 


John  Davis, 
John  Griffith, 
John  Watson, 
John  Stephenson, 
John  Garrat, 
Jephry  Bentla, 
John  Thomas, 
Daniel  Griffith, 
Benjamin  Phillips, 
John  Vansand, 


Aaron  Raily, 
Henry  Harris, 
Nathaniel  Jenkins, 
John  Manners, 
Robert  Goeffry, 
Job  Shepherd, 
Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
Stephen  Watts, 
Saml.  Ashmead, 
Wm.   Ritenhouse. 


1.  Query  from  the  church  of  Philadelphia:  Whether  it  be  lawful 
or  regular  for  any  person  to  preach  the  gospel  publicly  without  ordi- 
nation ? 

Answer :  that  which  we  have  both  rule  and  precedent  for  in  the 


'MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  51 

■word  of  God,  is,  and  must  be,  both  lawful  and  regular,  in  1  Tim.  iii. 
We  have  a  rule  for  proving  such ;  for,  having  spoken  concerning 
bishops,  at  the  10th  verse  the  apostle  speaks  of  deacons,  saying,  Let 
these  also  first  be  proved.  The  words  have  as  immediate  a  reference  to 
bishops  as  to  deacons,  else  the  word  also  would  be  superfluous.  We  may 
here  argue  from  the  less  to  the  greater ;  for  if  the  deacons,  who  are 
concerned  but  with  the  outward  affairs  of  churches,  must  be  proved, 
how  much  more  ministers,  who  are  to  be  stewards  of  the  mysteries 
of  God.     1  Tim.  V.  22. 

2.  We  have  an  undoubted  instance  in  the  case  of  Paul  and  Barna- 
bas, who  were  teachers  before  their  ordination.  Acts  xi.  25,  26. 
We  have  an  account  of  Barnabas  going  to  Tarsus  to  seek  Saul ;  his 
finding  him,  his  bringing  him  to  Antioch,  and  of  their  assembling 
with  that  church,  and  of  their  teaching  much  people  ;  at  which  time 
neither  Paul  nor  Barnabas  were  ordained ;  and  had  it  been  either 
unlawful  or  irregular  for  men  to  preach  without  ordination,  such  a 
good  man,  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  as  Barnabas  was,  would  not  surely 
be  guilty  of  such  a  thing  himself,  nor  promote  Saul  in  doing  so.  But 
teach  they  did,  and  teachers  they  were  called  before  ordination.  Acts 
xiii.  3.  But  their  ordination  is  expressed  Acts  xiii.  3,  after  they 
had  been  a  long  time  teachers,  and,  with  others,  had  taught  much 
people,  as  Acts  xi.  26.  And  it  seems,  by  what  Paul  writes  to  the 
Galatians,  chap.  i.  18,  and  ii.  1,  to  be  at  least  fourteen  years,  if  not 
seventeen. 

Seeing  men  are  called  teachers,  as  Paul  and  Barnabas  are  in  Acts 
xiii.  1,  and  did  undoubtedly  teach  profitably  in  the  church  of  Antioch, 
before  and  without  ordination,  what  reason  can  be  given  why  there 
may  not  be  in  churches  men  of  useful  gifts,  and  profitable  to  teach 
all  the  days  of  their  life  without  ordination  ?  It  is  very  probable  that 
the  Apostle  Paul,  seeing  he  occupied  such  a  station  himself  a  long 
time,  speaks  of  such  gifted  brethren,  Ephes.  iv.  11,  by  the  name  of 
teachers.  Seeing  they  are  mentioned  besides  the  pastors,  or  that 
such  useful  men  may  be  the  helps  the  same  apostle  mentions,  1  Cor. 
xii.  28,  for  helps  cannot  be  more  useful  in  any  thing  than  in  teach- 
ing. Our  churches  have  had  such  teachers  very  frequently,  as  we 
might  instance  in  many  of  them  by  name,  if  need  were  as  well  as  the 
church  of  Antioch. 

Here  it  will  be  proper  to  consider  what  time  of  trial  or  probation 
is,  or  ought  to  be  taken,  in  proving  church  officers  in  general.  We 
must  note  that  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  no  where  limited  or  bounded  the 
time  that  a  church  is  to  take  for  the  trial  of  any  of  her  officers ;  and 
therefore  every  particular  church  is  at  liberty  to  use  her  discretion 
in  this  matter ;  the  call,  choice,  and  ordination  of  her  own  officers 
being  a  special  privilege  that  Christ  hath  given  to  his  church  under 
the  gospel  dispensation.  See  Davison's  vindication  of  the  Protestant 
ministers'  mission.  Since  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  left  these  im- 
portant aifairs  to  his  church,  and  intrusted  her  to  apply  his  directions, 
according  to  her  circumstances,  by  the  rules  of  prudence  and  discre- 
tion; therefore  it  must  be   an  intrenchment  upon  her  liberty  and 


52  MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

privilege,  for  any  to  use  means  to  force  or  constrain  a  church,  either 
to  put  a  person  on  trial  or  to  hasten  his  ordination ;  both  of  which 
ought  to  be  the  free,  joyful,  and  unconstrained  acts  of  a  church.  It  is  an 
indication  of  a  heavy,  self-willed,  obstinate,  and  ungovernable  temper 
in  any  gifted  brother  to  refuse  to  exercise  his  gifts  as  the  church  shall 
be  inclined  to  call  him  ;  and  a  specimen  sufficient  to  foreshow  what 
may  be  expected  from  such  a  one  if  preferred.  It  is  therefore  running 
an  imprudent  risk,  to  ordain  to  office  in  the  church  of  God  men  of  such 
fluctuating  temper,  who,  if  in  any  wise  offended,  will  behave  strangely, 
and  leave  the  assemblings  of  the  church,  and  frequent  other  assem- 
blies. Though  they  may  have  some  fine  endowments,  yet  they  can 
hardly  be  deemed  faithful  men.  How  the  steady,  sound,  and  ortho- 
dox principles  and  regular  behaviour  of  men  shall  be  found  without 
considerable  time  of  trial,  none  can  tell. 

Besides,  is  it  not  a  great  honor  to  a  man,  if  God  fits  him  with 
gifts  to  be  helpful  in  the  ministry  of  the  word  in  any  measure  ?  But 
such  as  will  not  exercise  their  gifts  upon  trial,  or  without  ordination,  or 
as  gifted  brethren,  seem  to  come  near  to  what  the  apostle  speaks  of,  1 
Cor.  xii.  15  ;  "  If  the  foot  say,  because  I  am  not  a  hand,  I  am  not  of  the 
body."  Such  arguings  plainly  say,  If  I  am  not  admitted  to  be  bishop 
I  will  not  be  a  helper ;  and  such  reasonings  do  cast  a  reflection  on 
some  worthy  persons  who  have  labored  joyfully  as  helpers  all  their 
days,  and  whose  memory  is  precious  and  honorable  among  the  saints, 
■when  themselves  are  gone  to  rest. 

2.  Query :  Whether  it  is  regular  for  any  to  use  the  office  of  dea- 
con, or  to  exercise  the  office  of  a  ruling  elder  in  a  church,  without 
ordination  ? 

Solution.  As  touching  ruling  elders  or  deacons  ;  if  there  had  been 
no  other  rule  but  mere  parity  of  reason,  it  would  appear  necessary 
to  have  a  proof  of  the  persons  delegated  to  those  offices  by  a  trial 
in  the  office  itself;  for  experience  teacheth  that  some  very  regular 
members  cannot  become  useful  officers  when  tried,  and  if  persons, 
likely  to  bear  the  ministerial  function,  may  be  found  unfit  for  the 
office  when  tried,  though  sound  in  the  faith,  and  of  approved  conver- 
sation, so  may  well  minded  and  well  respected  persons  be  found,  when 
tried,  to  be  unfit  for  inferior  offices.  If  it  be  objected  that  we  have 
a  precedent  for  choosing  and  ordaining  deacons,  without  any  proof  or 
trial,  it  may  be  sufficient  to  answer,  that  the  precedent  in  Acts  vi.  is  very 
proper  to  inform  us  of  the  nature  and  property  of  the  deacon's  office ; 
but  cannot  reasonably  be  pleaded  to  be  imitable  in  future  times,  in 
that  particular,  in  debate ;  because,  1,  that  was  an  extraordinary 
time,  and  done  by  extraordinary  persons  ;  and  therefore  not  imitable 
in  ordinary  times  nor  ordinary  persons,  unless  we  could  bring  extra- 
ordinary times  and  persons  to  be  alike,  which  we  cannot.  2.  Because 
the  Holy  Ghost,  since  that  precedent,  hath  given  us  a  positive  rule 
to  direct  the  church  in  ordinary  times,  which  we  are  bound  to  follow, 
1  Tim.  iii.  10;  from  which  the  church  in  after  ages  ought  not  to 
deviate.  Ordinarily  it  is  improbable  we  should  find  the  qualifications 
of  a  man  for  office  without  a  trial ;  therefore,  to  ordain  men  to  office 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  53 

in  the  church  of  God,  without  first  being  proved  and  approved,  is 
against  both  rule  and  reason,  and  is  therefore  unlawful  to  be  done  by 
any  church  of  Christ. 

In  ordinary,  we  see  the  churches  of  Christ  inclined,  and  God's  peo- 
ple are,  by  apparent  motives,  freely,  lovingly,  and  affectionately 
moved,  though  not  infallibly,  to  promote  the  ordination  of  such  per- 
sons whose  gifts,  upon  due  exercise,  they  find  to  be  useful  by  long 
experience,  and  whose  apparent  growth  and  proficiency,  by  long  trial, 
is  become  manifest,  and  whose  steady  and  circumspect  behaviour  in 
all  things  in  doctrine  and  practice,  are  agreeable  encouragements  to 
intrust  them,  as  men  found  faithful  and  fit  for  the  oflSce  intended. 

3.  Query :  Whether  women  may  or  ought  to  have  their  votes  in  the 
church,  in  such  matters  as  the  church  shall  agree  to  be  decided  by  votes  ? 

Solution.  As  that  in  1  Cor.  xiv.  34,  35,  and  other  parallel  texts, 
are  urged  against  their  votes,  as  a  rule,  and  ought,  therefore,  to  be 
maturely  considered. 

If,  then,  the  silence  enjoined  on  women  be  taken  so  absolute,  as 
that  they  must  keep  entire  silence  in  all  respects  whatever ;  yet, 
notwithstanding,  it  is  to  be  hoped  they  may  have,  as  members  of  the 
body  of  the  church,  liberty  to  give  a  mute  voice,  by  standing  or  lift- 
ing up  of  the  hands,  or  the  contrary,  to  signify  their  assent  or  dis- 
sent to  the  thing  proposed,  and  so  augment  the  number  on  the  one 
or  both  sides  of  the  question.  But,  with  the  consent  of  authors  and 
casuists,  such  absolute  silence  in  all  respects  cannot  be  intended ; 
for  if  so,  how  shall  a  woman  make  a  confession  of  her  faith  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  whole  church  ?  or  how  shall  the  church  judge 
whether  a  woman  be  in  the  faith  or  no  ?  How  shall  a  woman  ofi"ended, 
after  regular  private  proceeding  with  an  ofiending  member,  tell  the 
church,  as  she  is  bound  to  do,  if  the  offender  be  obstinate,  according 
to  the  rule,  Matt,  xviii.  17  ?  How  shall  a  woman  do,  if  she  be  an 
evidence  to  a  matter  of  fact  ?  Shall  the  church  grope  in  the  dark 
for  want  of  her  evidence  to  clear  the  doubt  ?  Surely  not.  Again, 
how  shall  a  woman  defend  herself  if  wrongfully  accused,  if  she  must 
not  speak  ?  This  is  a  privilege  of  all  human  creatures  by  the  laws 
of  nature,  not  abrogated  by  the  law  of  God. 

Therefore  there  must  be  times  and  ways  in  and  by  which  women, 
as  members  of  the  body,  may  discharge  their  conscience  and  duty 
towards  God  and  men,  as  in  the  cases  above  said  and  the  like.  And 
a  woman  may,  at  least,  make  a  brother  a  mouth  to  ask  leave  to 
speak,  if  not  ask  it  herself;  and  a  time  of  hearing  is  to  be  allowed, 
for  that  is  not  inconsistent  wuth  the  silence  and  subjection  enjoined 
on  them  by  the  law  of  God  and  nature,  yet  ought  not  they  to  open 
the  floodgate  of  speech  in  an  imperious,  tumultuous,  masterly  man- 
ner. Hence  the  silence,  with  subjection,  enjoined  on  all  women  in 
the  church  of  God,  is  such  a  silence  as  excludes  all  women  whomso- 
ever from  all  degrees  of  teaching,  ruling,  governing,  dictating,  and 
leading  in  the  church  of  God  ;  yet  may  their  voice  be  taken  as  above 
said.  But  if  a  woman's  vote  be  singular,  her  reasons  ought  to  be 
called  for,  heard,  and  matui'ely  considered,  without  contempt. 


54  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

4.  Query :  Whether  churches  may  regularly  associate  with  such  other 
churches  that  will  not  admit  their  members  into  transient  or  occa- 
sional communion,  and  will  not  dismiss  their  members  whose  residences 
are  removed;  nor  receive  such  whose  residences  are  removed  to  them  if 
dismissed  ?  Or  whether  a  church,  by  refusing  transient  communion 
to  the  members  of  another  church,  whose  messengers  are  received  in 
to  associate  with  their  own  messengers,  do  not  forfeit  their  own  right 
in  the  Association,  unless  some  new  offence  be  given,  or  some  undis- 
covered error  be  found  in  the  church  so  refused  ? 

We  answer,  that  churches  ought  to  unite  in  fq-ith  and  practice,  and 
to  have  and  maintain  communion  together,  as  it  is  expressed  in  our 
abstract  of  church  discipline,  in  order  to  associate  regularly,  because 
the  latter  is  founded  upon,  and  arises  from  the  former ;  and  we 
count  that  such  a  practice,  for  churches  that  cannot  hold  free  com- 
munion together,  to  have  their  messengers,  notwithstanding,  admitted 
into  the  Association,  to  be  inconsistent,  and  not  to  be  continued  in 
nor  winked  at;  because  it  opens  a  door  to  greater  and  more  danger- 
ous confusions,  and  is  in  itself  subversive  of  the  being  and  end  of  an 
Association. 

5.  Query :  Whether  it  is  regular  for  an  Association  to  receive  in, 
and  admit  as  members  of  the  Association,  such  as  at  the  same  time 
they  would  not  admit  to  the  church  communion,  if  opportunity 
offered  ? 

We  answer,  no. 

Concluded,  that  Brother  Benjamin  Griffith  should  collect  and  set 
in  order  the  accounts  of  the  several  Baptist  churches  in  these  pro- 
vinces, and  keep  a  record  of  the  proceedings  of  our  denomination  in 
these  provinces ;  and  that  the  several  churches  should  draw  out  and 
send  him,  as  soon  as  possible,  what  accounts  they  have  on  record  in 
church  books  of  their  respective  constitutions,  and  by  whose  ministry 
they  have  been  supplied. 

Also  agreed,  that  Benjamin  Griffith  should  have  satisfaction  for 
his  trouble. 

The  Association  agreed  to  make  a  subscription  towards  printing  a 
treatise  in  vindication  of  believers'  baptism.  The  members  have 
made  free  to  subscribe  their  sums  for  the  purpose,  and  hope  their 
brethren  will  cheerfully  assist,  and  send  their  collections  to  Mr. 
Jones,  at  Philadelphia,  against  the  1st  of  March  next. 

Voted,  that  the  letter  from  the  society  party  came  into  the 
Association  disorderly,  and  their  messengers  are  not  to  be  re- 
ceived as  members  in  the  house ;  which  passed  without  any  contrary 
votes. 

The  Association,  next  year,  begins  on  Tuesday  before  the  fourth 
Sunday  in  September.  The  sermon  begins  at  3  o'clock,  P.  M.,  by 
James  Carman ;  in  case  of  failure,  by  Joshua  Potts. 

1747. 
The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  congregations  in  Penn- 
sylvania and  New  Jersey,  baptized  upon  profesbion  of  faith,  met  at 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  55 

Philadelphia,  October  22d,  1747.  Unto  the  churches  of  Christ,  in 
gospel  order,  to  whom  we  are  related, 

Send  our  loving  salutation. 

Dear  and  well  beloved  in  Christ  our  hope, — We  are  much  refreshed 
and  comforted  in  our  spirits  by  your  diligent  care  and  industry  in 
sending  your  letters  and  messengers  to  this  our  meeting,  which  when  we 
read  revived  our  hearts,  finding  the  churches  generally  in  love,  peace, 
and  unity,  and  some  additions  in  most,  with  considerable  increase 
in  some.  Our  numbers  are  multiplied  by  reason  of  divers  young 
churches  constituted  of  late,  and  in  a  thriving,  prosperous  appear- 
ance, which,  put  together,  raises  our  hope  that  God  is  remembering 
the  dust  of  Zion,  and  building  anew  his  gospel  Jerusalem.  Your 
united  and  fervent  prayers  to  God  for  us,  we  believe,  were  accepted 
in  the  court  of  our  King  above,  by  reason  of  your  love,  unity  and  concord. 
This  breathes  as  a  reviving  wind  in  every  member  of  this  house,  and 
as  if  so  many  hearts  and  souls  were  cast  into  one  mould.  Praise  be 
to  God.  As  to  the  sneers  and  reflections  cast  by  some  on  our  answers 
to  questions  sent  us  last  year,  we  leave  the  authors  to  delight  them- 
selves in  the  product  of  their  admiring  fancies,  seeing  no  cause  to 
alter  our  apprehension,  being  persuaded  that  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
churches  to  call  and  prove  their  candidates  for  the  ministry,  whom 
we  judge  ought  to  wait  with  self  denying  meekness,  humbleness,  and 
lowliness  of  mind  to  a  further  approbation  from  the  churches  of  their 
ordination  and  investiture  into  the  sacred  functions,  and  not  urge  or 
hasten  it  themselves,  contrary  to  the  mind  and  judgment  of  the 
church  which  gave  them  a  call  to  exercise  their  gifts.  Contenting 
ourselves  in  the  general  satisfaction  our  churches  have  expressed  in 
their  letters  of  the  comfort,  edification,  establishment,  and  consola- 
tion, they  acknowledge  to  have  received  from  our  last  letter,  we 
desire  and  entreat  you  to  weigh  and  deeply  consider,  that  we  are  in 
the  last  days,  the  dregs  and  worst  of  times,  of  which  we  have  been 
warned  by  the  inspired  writers,  of  scoffers,  walking  after  their  0"Rn 
lusts,  2  Peter  iii.  3 ;  of  perilous  days,  2  Tim.  iii.  1.  We  are  to 
mark  those  which  cause  divisions  and  offences,  contrary  to  the  doc- 
trines we  have  received,  and  avoid  them,  who,  by  good  words  and  fair 
speeches,  deceive  the  hearts  of  the  simple,  Rom.  xvi.  17,  18,  that 
of  your  ownselves,  should  men  arise,  speaking  perverse  things  to 
draw  away  disciples  after  them.  Acts  xx.  Therefore,  it  concerns  all 
who  would  be  spiritually  drest  and  beautifully  adorned,  to  meet  and 
be  approved  of  the  heavenly  bridegroom ;  to  be  very  careful  how  and 
with  whom  they  walk ;  avoiding,  both  in  principle  and  practice,  in 
heart  and  life,  in  the  church  and  in  the  world,  in  the  family  and  in 
the  field,  whatever  may  cause  us  to  contract  filth  or  foulness  on  our 
beautiful  garments;  as  Christ's  virgins,  look  often  in  the  glass  of  the 
gospel,  espying  and  brushing  away  every  spot  of  dust,  keeping  clean 
and  neat  for  his  everlasting  embraces.  Precious  souls,  suffer  the 
word  of  exhortation,  and  be  well  established  in  gospel  truths,  in  these 
shaking  times.  Look  well  that  you  be  built  upon  the  foundation  of 
the  apostles  and  prophets,  Christ  himself  being  youi'  chief  corner 


56  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Btone.  Take  heed  that  you  build  not  on  wood,  hay,  and  stuhble  of 
men's  inventions ;  be  sure  it  be  the  gold,  silver,  and  precious  stones 
of  the  sanctuary,  that  you  may  not  lose  what  you  have  wrought, 
but  may  receive  a  full  reward,  2  John  viii.  Let  it  be  your  care  to 
walk  blameless  and  harmless,  as  the  children  of  God,  without  rebuke, 
shining  as  lights  in  the  world.  Obey  those  who  rule  over  you,  and 
submit  yourselves,  for  they  watch  for  your  souls.  Grieve  them  not ; 
provide  for  them  as  the  word  directs;  neglect  not  meeting  them  in 
God's  house  at  appointed  times ;  avoid  the  spirit  of  contention,  fac- 
tion, and  division ;  remember  you  are  children  of  the  same  parents, 
God  and  his  chm-ch;  forget  not  your  covenant  relation  one  with  the 
other. 

"  Finally,  brethren,  whatsoever  things  are  honest,  whatsover  things 
are  just,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely,  whatsoever  things  are  of  good 
report,  if  there  be  any  virtue,  if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on  these 
tilings."  We  commend  you  to  God  and  the  word  of  his  grace ;  who 
is  able  to  do  exceeding,  abundantly  above  all  that  we  can  ask  or 
think,  according  to  his  power.  Unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church  by 
Christ  Jesus,  throughout  all  ages,  world  without  end.    Amen. 

From  your  affectionate  ministers  and  messengers, 

Wm.  Darby,  "VVm,  Coffin,  John  Davis, 

Recompese  Standberry,  Jas.  Tapscott,  Abel  Morgan, 

James  Davis,  Stephen  Watts,  Jas.  Carman, 

Joseph  Weeks,  Richard  Evans,  Joshua  Potts, 

Ben.  Johnson,  John  Manner,  Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 

Thos.  Huett,  Robert  Chalfant,  John  Stevenson, 

Nathaniel  Evans,  John  Davis,  Ben.  Miller, 

Wm.  Marshall,  Jeffrey  Bently,  David  Davis, 

Augustine  Stillman,  Nathl.  Jenkins,  Enoch  Morgan, 

Job  Shephard,  Jenkin  Jones,  Thomas  Jones. 

Danl.  Griffith,  Benj.  Griffith, 

1.  Query  from  Pennepek:  Whether  it  is  agreeable  to  gospel  rule 
for  a  church  to  permit  a  gifted  brother  to  preach  the  gospel,  who 
refuses  to  communicate  with  them,  unless  they  will  comply  with  his 
own  terms  ? 

Answered  in  the  negative. 

2.  Query :  Whether  such  brother,  by  so  refusing,  does  not  forfeit 
his  right  not  only  to  communion,  but  also  to  preach  the  gospel. 

Answered  in  the  affirmative. 

Whereas  the  Association,  having  from  time  to  time,  for  several 
years  past,  heard  the  allegations  of  the  society  party  against  the 
church  of  Montgomery,  and  all  the  endeavors  used  heretofore  with 
said  party  not  having  had  the  desired  effect : 

Resolved :  Not  to  enter  upon  their  debates  again,  by  receiving 
accusation  or  charges,  either  from  the  party  themselves,  or  others 
es}  ousing  their  cause,  respecting  the  things  that  have  been  already 
heard  and  debated  over  and  over,  to  little  purpose. 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILAPELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  57 

The  church  lately  constituted  at  Scotch  Plains,  in  East  Jersey, 
was  received  into  the  fellowship  of  this  Association. 

Likewise,  the  church  lately  settled  at  Horseneck,  in  the  township 
of  Greenwich,  in  New  England,  was  received  into  the  fellowship  of 
this  Association. 

The  members  of  the  Association  subscribed  towards  reprinting 
the  catechism. 

The  Association  sermon,  next  year,  is  to  be  on  the  Tuesday  before 
the  fourth  Sunday  in  September,  at  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 

1748. 

The  elders,  ministers,  and  messengers  of  the  several  congregations 
baptized  upon  profession  of  faith,  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys, 
met  at  Philadelphia,  Sept.  20,  1748. 

Send  our  loving  salutation. 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  who,  we  trust,  will  be  our  joy  and  crown 
of  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  we  cannot  but  express  our 
great  satisfaction,  that  you  congratulate  us  with  your  letters,  which 
much  refresh  our  bowels,  hearing  that  our  churches,  for  the  most 
part,  are  at  peace  and  unity,  and  some  of  them  having  had  consider- 
able additions.  Praised,  magnified,  and  for  ever  adored  be  the  riches 
of  sovereign  grace,  that  the  labors  of  the  poor  servants  of  God  in 
their  ministerial  office  are  not  altogether  lost  and  fruitless.  The  Lord 
has  been  watering  his  garden  with  the  increase  of  God,  which  we 
pray  may  abound  more  and  more. 

The  satisfaction  you  express  to  have  received  from  our  last  year's 
narrative,  encourages  us  to  go  on  in  the  work  of  the  Lord  with  cheer- 
fulness. We  trust,  through  your  fervent  prayers  to  God  in  our 
behalf,  we  met  in  love  and  gospel  fellowship,  and  our  debates  and 
consultations  were  without  heat  and  animosity;  thanks  be  given  to 
the  most  High  for  this  valuable  blessing.  The  doctrines  of  the  glori- 
ous gospel  have  been  held  forth  among  us  with  power  and  clearness, 
under  which  we  enjoy  some  comfortable  measure  of  the  divine  pre- 
sence. We  are  about  to  part  from  one  another,  not  knowing  whether 
we  shall  ever  see  each  other  in  the  flesh  any  more ;  therefore  be 
exhorted  to  strive  together  with  us,  that  we  may  be  found  worthy,  in 
the  worthiness  of  our  exalted  and  glorious  Redeemer,  to  meet  in  the 
celestial  mansions  above,  forever  to  behold  the  reconciled  face  of  our 
heavenly  Father,  in  whose  presence  there  is  fulness  of  joy,  and  at 
whose  right  hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore.  To  unwearied 
diligence  in  the  use  of  all  appointed  means,  read,  hear,  and  meditate 
on  the  word ;  watch  and  pray  without  ceasing ;  give  none  offence, 
neither  to  the  Jew  nor  to  the  Gentile,  nor  to  the  church  of  God ; 
encourage  and  pray  for  your  ministers,  that  God  may  furnish  them 
with  all  necessary  gifts  and  graces,  for  your  edification  and  comfort, 
and  that  the  word  of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course  in  the  hearts  of 
poor  sinners. 

Finally,  brethren,  let  your  lights  be  shining,  that  you  may  be  ready 

8 


58  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

whenever  the  heavenly  Bridegroom  may  call  you  to  the  marriage. 
To  him  be  glory  in  the  churches,  both  now  and  forever.     Amen. 
We,  your  brethren  in  the  best  of  bonds, 

Jenkin  Jones,  Wm.  Marshall,  Joseph  Stout, 

John  Davis,  Wm.  Chapman,  Edmund  Drake, 

Abel  Morgan,  Wm.  Derby,  Thos.  Cocks, 

Thos.  Jones,  Thos.  Worthington,  Wm.  Buckingham, 

James  Carmel,  Jesse  Bentley,  Edward  Everey, 

Josh.  Botts,  Jno.  Thomas,  Stephen  Watts, 

Thos.  Curtis,  Jno.  Marks,  Samuel  Aschmead, 

Peter  Pet.  Vanhorn,   Jph.  Page,  Saml.  Gui, 

Jas.  Stephens,  Andrew  Brey,  Abraham  Garison, 

Benj,  Miller,  Wm.  Rees,  Jno.  Levington. 

Robert  Kelsey,  Nathaniel  Evans, 

Queries  from  the  church  at  Horseneck,  in  New  England : 

1,  Whether  to  deny  the  foreknowledge  of  the  eternal  God,  con- 
cerning all  future  evil  as  well  as  good,  be  not  a  fundamental  error? 

Answer.  We  look  upon  such  an  opinion  to  be  directly  repugnant 
to  Scripture;  therefore  exceeding  erroneous  and  pernicious.  First: 
Because  it  supposes  God  imperfect,  and  so  no  God,  Psalm  cxlvii.  5; 
Heb.  iv.  13.  Secondly:  If  so,  there  would  be  no  room  for  the  divine 
Being  to  make  provision  for  the  redemption  of  mankind  before  the 
fall  of  man,  which  is  contrary  to  express  Scripture  testimony,  Prov. 
viii.  28,  35  ;  2  Tim.  i.  9.  Thirdly :  It  is  an  error,  which,  in  its  nature 
and  consequences,  doth  oppose  and  tend  to  overthrow  the  whole 
Christian  religion.  Acts  ii.  23 ;  iv.  28 ;  Titus  iii.  10. 

2.  Whether  a  member  of  the  church  holding  such  an  opinion, 
endeavors  to  propagate  it,  and  obstinately  persists  in  it,  is  not  worthy 
of  the  highest  censure,  notwithstanding  he  pleads  matter  of  con- 
science ? 

Answer.  We  judge  such  worthy  of  the  highest  censure  ;  because 
a  church  is  to  proceed  against  a  person  who  is  erroneous  in  judgment, 
as  well  as  against  one  vicious  in  practice,  notwithstanding  they  may 
plead  conscience  in  the  aifair.     Tit.  iii.  10 ;  2  Thess.  iii.  14. 

A  query  from  the  church  of  Bethlehem  :  Whether  a  man  who  hath 
two  wives  living  may  be  received  into  communion  on  his  profession 
of  faith.     Answer.    By  no  means.     Matt.  v.  32  ;  xix.  9. 

Concluded,  that  the  churches  in  general  be  advised  for  the  future 
not  to  send  any  queries  to  the  Association  before  the  matter  has  been 
well  debated  at  home  among  themselves  first. 

Concluded,  that  it  is  most  expedient  for  our  ministers,  when  desired 
to  preach  among  the  society  party,  to  exhort  them  to  be  first  recon- 
ciled to  Montgomery  church,  and  then  the  way  will  be  clear ;  for, 
otherwise,  we  think  that  for  our  ministers  to  preach  among  them, 
would  tend  to  strengthen  the  party  in  their  faction. 

Concluded  that  the  Association  is  to  begin  on  Tuesday  before  the 
fourth  Sunday  in  September,  the  next  year,  and  the  Association  ser- 
mon to  begin  at  three  o'clock,  p.  m. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


59 


1749. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  churches  of  Christ,  met  in  Asso- 
ciation at  Philadelphia,  September  19th,  1749. 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  who  profess  to  be  called  out  of  darkness 
into  light,  adopted  into  the  family  of  God,  united  to  Christ  by  faith, 
and  waiting  for  his  second  appearance  from  heaven,  for  the  consum- 
mate happiness  of  all  his  redeemed  people.  Your  affectionate  letters 
were  read,  and  your  messengers  received,  whereby  we  find  the 
churches  are  generally  in  peace,  and  there  have  been  considerable 
additions  this  last  year  in  some  places.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who 
succeedeth  the  labors  of  his  servants  in  the  gospel,  for  the  edifica- 
tion of  his  saints  and  ingathering  of  sinners. 

Your  prayers  for  us,  at  this  public  season,  we  trust  have  been 
answered.  We  find  from  divers  places  requests  for  ministerial  helps. 
Let  all  the  churches  who  are  supplied  bless  the  Lord,  duly  improve 
the  means  they  have,  and  with  sympathising  consideration  pray  the 
Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  forth  faithful  laborers  into  his  vineyard, 
for  the  supply  of  vacant  places.  We  recommend  to  you  the  con- 
sideration of  your  great  privileges.  Walk  worthy  of  them  in  all  well 
pleasing ;  improve  the  means  afforded  you  for  your  growth  in  grace ; 
endeavor  after  a  comfortable  manifestation  of  your  interest  in  the 
love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  live  on  the  Lord,  and  near  him  ;  beware 
of  gradual  inward  backsliding  from  him,  and  an  outward  withdraw- 
ing from  practical  godliness ;  be  much  in  secret  prayer ;  regular  and 
constant  in  morning  and  evening  family  worship  ;  avoid  all  occasion 
of  divisions ;  strengthen  the  hands  of  your  ministry  and  one  another ; 
endeavor  to  fill  up  your  place,  in  order  to  make  your  fellowship 
comfortable  to  yourselves;  and  recommend  religion  as  desirable  to 
others,  that  God  may  be  glorified.  That  the  God  of  mercy  may  fill 
your  souls  with  grace  and  peace,  and  prepare  you  for  every  good 
word  and  work,  and  present  you  blameless  and  faultless,  to  his  eternal 
glory,  is  the  fervent  desire  of  your  brethren  in  the  gospel  of  our 
salvation. 


John  Bartholomew, 
Ashbury  Smith, 
John  Davis, 
William  Smith, 
Thomas  Smith, 
Thomas  Cox, 
Crossen  Collet, 
Robert  Chalfant, 
John  Williams, 
James  Dorset, 


John  Watson, 
Andrew  Bray, 
John  Stout, 
Saml.  Ashmead, 
James  Davis, 
Lewis  Thomas, 
Nathaniel  Jenkins, 
Jenkin  Jones, 
Owen  Thomas, 
Benj.  Griffith, 


John  Davis, 
David  Davis, 
James  Carman, 
Abel  Morgan, 
Benj.  Miller, 
Joshua  Potts, 
Isaac  Eaton, 
Malachia  Bonham, 
Oliver  Hart, 
William  Marshall. 


'  Two  queries  from  the  church  at  Pennepek:  1st.  Whether  persons 
that  make  themselves  parties  with  dismembered  ones,  after  due  ad- 
mouitiun  given  them,  and  they  continue  obstinate,  do  not  expose 


60  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

themselves  to  the  church's  highest  censure ;  and  whether  the  church 
ought  not  to  deal  with  them  as  such  ?  Secondly,  how  often  admo- 
nition ought  to  be  repeated  in  such  a  case  ? 

In  answer  to  these  queries,  it  is  resolved,  we  entirely  disapprove 
of  such  members  continuing  in  their  obstinacy,  and  condemn  such  a 
practice,  and  leave  the  church  to  then'  Christian  prudence  and  dis- 
cretion, to  use  all  possible  forbearance  and  lenity  towards  such  mem- 
bers, if  there  is  any  probability  of  reclaiming  them. 

A  query  from  the  church  at  the  Scotch  Plains :  Whether  a  person 
baptized  by  one  that  was  not  ordained,  shall  be  received  into  the 
church,  on  the  baptism  already  received ;  or  whether  he  shall  be  bap- 
tized again,  or  shall  such  abide  without  the  church's  privileges  all 
their  days? 

In  answer,  we  refer  to  the  solution  of  the  like  query,  in  the  year 
1744. 

The  Association  unanimously  approved  and  agreed  to  an  essay  of 
Benjamin  Griffith,  respecting  the  power  and  duty  of  an  Association, 
to  be  inserted  in  the  Association  book. 

The  Association  hath  resolved  to  acquaint  the  several  churches 
they  relate  unto,  that  some  contribution  may  be  made  in  every 
church,  in  order  to  defray  the  charges  of  a  scribe,  to  write  a  journal 
of  the  beginning  and  proceedings  of  the  Baptist  societies  in  Penn- 
sylvania and  the  Jerseys,  and,  as  far  as  may  be  found,  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  Association,  according  to  an  order  of  this  Association. 

Concluded,  also,  that  every  church,  belonging  to  this  Association, 
should  consider  that  our  principles  are  attacked  anew,  and  monstrously 
represented ;  that,  therefore,  in  order  to  our  vindicating  and  justify- 
ing the  same,  money  may  be  gathered  in  every  congregation,  in 
readiness  against  the  next  Association  at  Philadelphia  ;  and  we  hope 
timely  notice  shall  be  given,  both  of  the  number  of  books  to  be 
printed,  and  what  the  charge  will  be  to  print  them. 

Concluded,  that  the  ensuing  Association  is  to  begin  on  the  Tues- 
day after  the  third  Sunday  in  September. 

At  our  annual  Association,  met  September  the  19th,  1749,  an  essay 
on  the  power  and  duty  of  an  x^ssociation  of  churches,  was  proposed, 
as  above  hinted,  to  the  consideration  of  the  Association ;  and  the 
same,  upon  mature  deliberation,  was  approved  and  subscribed  by  the 
whole  house ;  and  the  contents  of  the  same  was  ordered  to  be  tran- 
scribed as  the  judgment  of  the  Association,  in  order  to  be  inserted 
in  the  Association  book,  to  the  end  and  purpose  that  it  may  appear 
what  power  an  Association  of  churches  hath,  and  what  duty  is  incum- 
bent on  an  Association ;  and  prevent  the  contempt  with  which  some 
are  ready  to  treat  such  an  assembly,  and  also  to  prevent  any  future 
generation  from  claiming  more  power  than  they  ought — lording  over 
the  churches. 

ESSAY. 

That  an  Association  is  not  a  superior  judicature,  having  such  su- 
perior power  over  the  churches  concerned ;  but  that  each  particular 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  61 

church  hath  a  complete  power  and  authority  from  Jesus  Christ,  to 
arlminister  all  gospel  ordinances,  provided  they  have  a  sufficiency  of 
officers  duly  qualified,  or  that  they  be  supplied  by  the  officers  of 
another  sister  church  or  churches,  as  baptism,  and  the  Lord's  sup- 
per, &c.  ;  and  to  receive  in  and  cast  out,  and  also  to  try  and  ordain 
their  own  officers,  and  to  exercise  every  part  of  gospel  discipline  and 
church  government,  independent  of  any  other  church  or  assembly 
whatever. 

And  that  several  such  independent  churches,  where  Providence 
gives  them  their  situation  convenient,  may,  and  ought,  for  their 
mutual  strength,  counsel,  and  other  valuable  advantages,  by  their 
voluntary  and  free  consent,  to  enter  into  an  agreement  and  confede- 
ration, as  is  hinted  in  our  printed  Narrative  of  discipline,  page  59, 
60,  61. 

Such  churches  there  must  be  agreeing  in  doctrine  and  practice, 
and  independent  in  their  authority  and  church  power,  before  they 
can  enter  into  a  confederation,  as  aforesaid,  and  choose  delegates  or 
representatives,  to  associate  together ;  and  thus  the  several  indepen- 
dent churches  being  the  constituents,  the  association,  council  or  as- 
sembly of  their  delegates,  when  assembled,  is  not  to  be  deemed  a 
superior  judicature,  as  having  a  superintendency  over  the  churches, 
but  subservient  to  the  churches,  in  what  may  concern  all  the  churches 
in  general,  or  any  one  church  in  particular ;  and,  though  no  power 
can  regularly  arise  above  its  fountain  from  where  it  rises,  yet  we  are  of 
opinion,  that  an  Association  of  the  delegates  of  associate  churches  have 
a  very  considerable  power  in  their  hands,  respecting  those  churches 
in  their  confederation ;  for  if  the  agreement  of  several  distinct 
churches,  in  sound  doctrine  and  regular  practice,  be  the  first  motive, 
ground,  and  foundation  or  basis  of  their  confederation,  then  it  must 
naturally  follow,  that  a  defection  in  doctrine  or  practice  in  any  church, 
in  such  confederation,  or  any  party  in  any  such  church,  is  ground 
sufficient  for  an  Association  to  withdraw  from  such  a  church  or  party 
so  deviating  or  making  defection,  and  to  exclude  such  from  them  in 
some  formal  manner,  and  to  advertise  all  the  churches  in  confedera- 
tion thereof,  in  order  that  every  church  in  confederation  may  with- 
draw from  such  in  all  acts  of  church  communion,  to  the  end  they 
may  be  ashamed,  and  that  all  the  churches  may  discountenance  such, 
and  bear  testimony  against  the  defection. 

Such  withdrawing  from  a  defective  or  disorderly  church,  or  that 
ought  to  be  towards  a  delinquent  church,  is  such  as  ariseth  from  their 
voluntary  confederation  aforesaid,  and  not  only  from  the  general  duty 
that  is  incimibent  on  all  orthodox  persons,  and  churches  to  do,  where 
no  such  confederation  is  entered  into,  as  2  Cor.  vi.  16,  17.  Now, 
from  that  general  duty  to  withdraw  from  defective  persons  or  churches, 
there  can  no  more  be  done,  than  to  desist  from  such  acts  of  fellow- 
ship as  subsisted  before  the  withdrawing,  which  is  merely  negative, 
and  in  no  wise  any  thing  positive.  Churches,  as  they  are  pillars  of 
truth,  may,  and  ought  to  endeavor  to  promote  truth  among  others 
also  ;  which  endeavors,  if  they  prove  fruitless,  as  they  are  but  mys- 


.62  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATIOTT. 

tico  modo,  they  may  be  withdrawn ;  the  withdrawing,  therefore,  must 
be  accordingly  ;  which  is  only  to  cease  from  future  endeavors,  leav- 
ing the  objects  as  they  were  or  are.  But  if  there  be  a  confederation 
and  incorporation,  by  mutual  and  voluntary  consent,  as  the  Associa- 
tion of  churches  must  and  ought  to  be,  then  something  positive  may 
and  ought  to  be  done ;  and,  though  an  Association  ought  not  to  assume 
a  power  to  excommunicate  or  deliver  a  defective  or  disorderly  church 
to  Satan,  as  some  do  claim,  yet  it  is  a  power  sufficient  to  exclude  the 
delegates  of  a  defective  or  disorderly  church  from  an  Association. 
and  to  refuse  their  presence  at  their  consultations,  and  to  advise  all 
the  churches  in  confederation  to  do  so  too.  A  godly  man  may,  and 
ought  to  withdraw,  not  only  from  a  heathen,  but  from  such  as  have 
the  form  of  godliness,  if  they  appear  to  want  the  power  of  it,  2  Tim. 
iii.  5,  by  the  same  parity  of  reason  the  saints,  in  what  capacity  soever 
they  may  be  considered,  may  withdraw  from  defective  or  disorderly 
churches  or  persons ;  but  excommunicate  they  cannot,  there  being 
no  institution  to  authorize  them  so  to  do.  But  in  the  capacity  of  a 
congregational  church,  dealing  with  her  own  members,  an  Association, 
then,  of  the  delegates  of  associate  churches,  may  exclude  and  with- 
draw from  defective  and  unsound  or  disorderly  churches  or  persons, 
in  manner  abovesaid ;  and  this  will  appear  regular  and  justifiable  by 
the  light  and  law  of  nature,  as  is  apparent  in  the  conduct  and  prac- 
tice of  all  regular  civil  and  political  corporations  and  confederations 
whatsoever;  who  all  of  them  have  certain  rules  to  exclude  delin- 
quents from  their  societies,  as  well  as  for  others  to  accede  thereunto. 
We  judge  those  things  in  the  15th  chapter  of  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles  to  be  imitable  by  an  Association,  viz. :  1st,  their  disowning 
of  the  erroneous  and  judaising  teachers,  saying,  to  whom  we  gave  no 
such  commandment,  verse  24 ;  2dly,  the  sending  delegated  persons 
of  their  own  number,  with  Paul  and  Barnabas,  to  support  their  sen- 
tence in  the  place  where  the  debate  sprung  up,  verse  25 ;  and  a  third 
thing  followed  in  consequence  thereof,  viz.,  a  delivering  of  the  decrees 
to  the  other  churches,  to  be  observed,  as  well  as  the  church  of  Antioch, 
chap.  xvi.  4.  Consistent  therewith,  the  practice  of  after  ages  is  found 
to  be ;  when,  because  they  had  no  council,  synod,  or  association  to 
convene,  of  course  they  called  a  council,  in  order  to  make  head 
against  any  error  or  disorders,  when  in  any  particular  church,  such 
things  grew  too  big  for  a  particular  church  peaceably  to  determine, 
as  the  case  about  circumcision  was  at  Antioch.  In  such  cases  all  the 
churches  were  looked  upon  as  one  church,  and  all  the  bishops  as 
universal,  because  of  the  unity  of  the  faith  and  conformity  of  prac- 
tice which  ought  to  be  in  the  churches  of  Christ ;  though  in  all  other 
cases,  the  several  distinct  churches  acted  independent  of  each  other, 
as  Cyprian  relates  the  practice  of  his  time,  viz. :  That  the  bishops 
were  so  united  in  one  body,  that  if  any  one  of  the  body  broached  any 
heresy,  or  began  to  waste  and  tear  the  flock  of  Christ,  all  the  rest 
came  immediately  to  its  rescue.  Cyprian,  cited  by  Bingham,  book 
2,  page  101.  And  the  same  author  observes,  that  they  disowned 
the  faulty,  and  advertised  all  the  churches  of  the  same.     And  Mr. 


MINUTES   OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


03 


Crosby  relates,  that  an  Association  in  London  did  disown  a  certain  dis- 
orderly church  in  London,  and  did  caution  all  the  churches  they 
were  related  to,  not  to  countenance  them  in  any  way,  nor  to  suffer 
their  members  to  frequent  their  meetings ;  and  thus  an  Association  may 
disown  and  withdraw  from  a  defective  or  disorderly  church,  and  advise 
the  churches  related  to  them  to  withdraw  from,  and  to  discountenance 
such  as  aforesaid,  without  exceeding  the  bounds  of  their  power. 

And  further,  that  an  Association  of  the  delegates  of  confederate 
churches  may  doctrinally  declare  any  person  or  party  in  a  church, 
who  are  defective  in  principles  or  disorderly  in  practice,  to  be  cen- 
surable, when  the  affair  comes  under  their  cognizance,  and  without 
exceeding  the  bounds  of  their  power  and  duty,  to  advise  the  church 
that  such  belong  unto,  how  to  deal  with  such,  according  to  the  rule 
of  gospel  discipline  ;  and  also  to  strengthen  such  a  church,  and  assist 
her,  if  need  be,  by  sending  able  men  of  their  own  number  to  help  the 
church  in  executing  the  power  vested  in  her  by  the  ordinance  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  to  stand  by  her,  and  to  defend  her  against  the 
insults  of  such  offending  persons  or  parties. 

The  above  is  a  transcript  of  the  said  essay,  according  to  the  order 
given  by  the  said  Association,  which  was  ordered  to  be  taken  with- 
out the  then  introduction  and  singularity.  Taking  the  substance  and 
contents  thereof  as  the  judgment  of  the  Association,  respecting  their 
power  and  duty. 

Consented  to  and  transcribed  by  me,  Benjamin  Griffith. 

Signed  by  the  whole  Association,  whose  names  are — 

Nathaniel  Jenkins,  Moderator,  John  Watson, 

Jenkin  Jones, 


Owen  Thomas, 
David  Davis, 
John  Davis, 
James  Carman, 
Abel  Morgan, 
Benj.  Miller, 
Joshua  Potts, 
Isaac  Eaton, 
Malachiah  Bonham, 
Oliver  Hart, 
William  Marshall, 
Jno.  Bartholomew, 
William  Smith, 


V  Ministers. 


Thomas  Smith, 
Augsbury  Smith, 
Samuel  Ashmead, 
Lewis  Thomas, 
Thomas  Coxs, 
James  Dorset, 
John  Davis, 
Robert  Chaffin, 
John  Williams, 
James  Davis, 
Andrew  Bray, 
John  Stout, 
Crispin  Collet. 


On  application  made  to  the  Association,  to  appoint  proper  persons 
to  examine  and  approve  the  transcript  of  the  above  said  essay,  before 
it  be  inserted  in  the  Association  book,  Mr.  Jenkin  Jones  and  Mr. 
Joshua  Potts  were  named,  and  such  others  as  could  readiest  be  got ; 
and  accordingly  Mr.  Owen  Thomas  and  those  above  named,  did 
peruse  and  approve  of  the  same  as  it  is  above  Inserted. 

Brother  Peter  Peterson  Vanhorn  is  to  preach  the  Association  ser- 
mon ;  and,  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  Isaac  Eaton. 


64"  MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

1750. 

The  ministers,  elders,  and  messengers  of  the  congregations  owning 
the  doctrine  and  practice  of  behevers'  baptism,  in  Pennsylvania  and 
the  Jerseys,  met  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  18th,  19th,  and  20th  days 
of  September,  1750. 

Greeting : 

Well  beloved  and  longed  for, — It  is  good  refreshment  to  us,  your 
servants,  that  our  labors  and  endeavors  at  former  Associations  have 
been  accepted  and  approved  by  you,  our  principals ;  which  we  gather 
from  your  pathetical  acknowledgment  in  your  letters,  and  your 
serious  prayers  for  us,  that  we  might  be  assisted  from  above  with  wis- 
dom and  strength  to  prosecute  and  press  forward,  to  consider  the 
things  that  are  wanting,  in  order  to  the  adorning  and  beautifying  our 
little  young  Zion  in  this  land,  as  we  have  heretofore  made  our  efforts 
to  defend  and  secure  its  foundations ;  and  we  confidently  hope  your 
prayers  for  us  were  accepted  at  the  throne  of  grace,  sweetened  with 
the  acceptable  smell  of  the  merits  of  our  Lord  and  Redeemer.  We 
met  in  love  with  God  and  thankful  souls,  that  our  blessed  Lord 
has  enabled  the  most  of  his  servants  in  the  ministry,  at  our  small 
Zion,  to  be  unanimous.  Nothing  has  been  presented  from  any  of  our 
churches  whereby  contentions  or  debates  in  the  least  might  be  moved. 
We  hear  from  you  of  peace  and  agreement  in  the  sound  and  whole- 
some principles  of  the  gospel  of  our  blessed  Saviour.  The  old 
complaint  is  continued — deadness  and  indifference,  coldness  and 
decays  of  the  first  love;  a  sad  distemper,  but  we  hope  not  incurable, 
since  our  Mediator,  after  his  ascension  to  the  throne  of  his  glory,  has 
prescribed  an  infallible  remedy,  in  the  2d  and  3d  of  the  Revelations, 
for  inward  and  outward  sores  and  maladies,  which,  if  timely  taken 
and  rightly  used,  cannot  fail  of  restoring  you  all  to  your  former 
health,  and  warmth,  and  liveliness ;  yea,  and  make  you  stronger  than 
ever  you  have  been.  Therefore,  dear  brethren  and  sisters,  read  and 
ponder  the  receipts  of  your  soul's  Physician ;  try  and  put  in  practice 
those  wholesome  directions,  and  you  will  never  complain,  for  they  are 
all  peculiarly  prepared  by  the  most  wise  Artist,  and  suited  for  his 
spouse  the  church,  of  which  you,  in  your  small  communions,  up  and 
down,  are  a  part.  Our  dear  flock  and  fellow  members,  we  beseech 
and  intreat  you  to  improve  the  means  of  grace  and  your  gospel  pri- 
vileges ;  prize  your  advantages,  you  that  have  pastors  and  teachers 
to  break  unto  you  the  bread  of  life,  and  to  direct  you  to  the  opened 
fountain,  whereby,  if  you  are  well  in  the  inner  man,  you  may  eat 
and  drink  that  which  is  good,  and  cause  your  souls  to  delight  them- 
selves in  fatness.  Oh,  if  you  had  heard  the  mournful  complaints  and 
requests  of  souls  destitute  of  the  means  of  the  courts  of  God  and  his 
ordinances,  sent  to  us  from  remote  places,  it  would  cause  melting 
compassions  in  your  hearts,  as  it  did  in  ours.  Highly  value,  there- 
fore, your  prerogatives,  and  provoke  not  the  Master  to  remove  his 
candlestick  from  you.  Consider,  dear  people,  that  you  are  God's 
building ;  and,  if  so,  dishonor  not  the  Master  by  being  careless  of 


MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA    ASSOCIATION.  65 

your  places  and  usefulness  in  the  house  of  God ;  take  heed  that  your 
communion  be  entire,  at  the  call  of  your  pastor,  or  according  to  your 
settled  times.  Beware  of  factions  and  rents  in  your  churches  ;  it  is 
the  old  maxim  of  the  enemy  to  divide  and  then  to  destroy.  Keep 
together  as  an  army  with  banners,  terrible  to  those  who  would  have 
you  scattered  from  one  another.  Remember  that  you  are  God's 
husbandry.  A  barren  field,  after  much  labor  and  cost,  is  near  the 
curse ;  but,  if  fruitful,  receiveth  blessing  from  God.  Herein  is  the 
heavenly  husbandman  much  glorified  when  you  bring  forth  much 
fruit.  To  this  ye  were  called  at  first,  and  now  created  in  Christ 
the  second  time.  Endeavor  to  answer  both  ends  better  from  day 
to  day,  that  you  may  be  ripening  for  the  garner  of  the  glorious 
owner  of  the  field.  We  conclude,  with  our  hearty  prayer  for  your 
establishment  in  every  truth,  your  growth  in  grace,  and  a  right  and 
regular  walking,  as  a  peculiar  people,  prepared  for  every  good  work^ 
vessels  of  honor,  meet  for  the  master's  use.     Amen. 

Your  messengers  and  servants  in  the  house  of  our  Lord  Jesus. 

Steven  Watts,  Jos,  Shepard,  Abel  Morgan, 

Rinold  Howel,  Robert  Chalfant,  Jas.  Carman, 

Wm.  Marshel,  Robert  Chalfant,  Jr.,  Joshua  Potts, 

Thos.  Edment,  Dan'l.  Underbill,  Peter  Vanhorn, 

Thos.  Coks,  Nath.  Jenkins,  Benj.  Miller, 

Benj.  Cheesman,  Jenkin  Jones,  Malacliiah  Bonham^ 

Geo.  George,  Benj.  Grifiith,  Thos.  Davis, 

Recompense  Stanberry  Owen  Thomas,  Thos.  Jones, 

Jos.  Page,  Grifiith  Jones,  John  Thomas. 

Alex.  Edwards,  John  Davis, 

Query  from  Philadelphia :  Whether  a  member  in  a  church  be  cen- 
surable on  the  evidence  of  one  accusing  him  of  a  fault,  said  to  be 
committed  for  some  length  of  time  before,  and  nothing  mentioned  of 
it  till  it  come  out  in  anger  arising  on  another  occasion  ? 

Answer :  On  the  consideration  of  the  circumstances  of  afiairs,  as 
represented  to  us,  it  is  answered  in  the  negative.  1st,  because  it  ap- 
pears to  us  it  may  be  the  effect  of  passion  or  discord ;  2d,  it  does 
not  appear  likely  that  one  should  encourage  what  is  charged,  and 
afterwards  use  severity  in  correcting  for  the  same. 

Appointed  Brethren  Owen  Thomas  and  Benjamin  Grifiith  to  write 
a  letter  to  some  people  in  Fairfax  county,  Virginia,  in  behalf  of  the 
Association. 

The  Association,  taking  into  consideration  the  advantages  and 
benefits  that  will  arise  to  the  interests  of  religion  and  the  cause  we 
profess,  from  a  public  fund  or  stock  in  bank,  well  regulated,  have  con- 
cluded to  acquaint  the  several  congregations  we  belong  to  with  the 
proposal,  that  if  it  seem  meet  to  them  to  further  so  good  a  purpose, 
by  sending  in  yearly  such  sums  as  the  Lord  shall  bless  them  with, 
and  incline  their  hearts  to  contribute,  that  a  beginning  be  made 
against  next  year. 

9 


66  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

Concluded  to  begin  next  year  on  Tuesday  before  the  fourth  Lord's 
day  in  September,  and  the  sermon  by  Brother  Isaac  Eaton ;  in  case 
of  failure,  by  Brother  Malachiah  Bonham,  at  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 

1751. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  churches,  baptized  on  profession 
cff  their  faith,  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  met  at  Philadelphia, 
17th  of  September,  1751. 

Greeting : 

Brethren,  well  beloved  in  our  Redeemer,  it  rejoiced  us  much  when 
we  perused  your  letters,  and  found  your  unity  and  fellowship  in  the 
gospel  of  Christ,  except  a  few  disorderly  and  disaffected  persons  in 
some  of  our  societies,  which  is  no  new  thing ;  for,  in  the  primitive 
churches,  gathered  by  the  apostles,  such  uncomfortable  members  were 
found.  We  met  together  in  gladness  and  gospel  unanimity.  We  had 
no  contentions,  hates,  or  animosities.  Your  prayers  for  us  we  hope 
have  been  answered.  We  recommend  to  you  the  following  counsels. 
Loving  brethren,  we  have  cause  to  be  frequent  in  blessing  the  great 
Jehovah,  the  father  of  mercies,  and  the  God  of  all  comforts,  for  his 
distinguishing  goodness  in  calling  you  from  darkness  to  marvellous 
light,  when  you  were  in  the  snares  of  the  worst  of  enemies.  Praises 
are  due  to  him  who  imparted  the  blessed  eye-salve,  and  opened  your 
souls  to  look  upon  the  great  object,  Jesus,  the  Mediator  of  his  cove- 
nant, who  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  from  all  the  powers  that 
may  oppose.  Endeavor,  brethren,  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  in  all  things ;  for  that  will  be  evidence  that  you  are  Christians 
indeed,  and  not  in  name  only.  Let  your  conversations  be  as  becom- 
eth  the  gospel,  that,  as  you  maintain  sound  and  scriptural  principles, 
and  so  shed  forth  their  power  and  virtue  in  your  behavior,  you  de- 
clare that  you  are  seeking  a  better  inheritance  than  can  be  found  this 
side  of  heaven.  Keep  close  and  diligent  to  your  stated  time  of  pub- 
lic worship.  Forsake  not  the  assembling  of  yourselves  together.  It 
rejoices  the  heart  of  a  Christian  when  his  fellow  servants  say.  Come, 
let  us  go  up  to  the  house  of  God.  The  contrary  practice  causes  cold- 
ness, indifference,  and  gradual  withering,  and,  at  last,  absolute  dying, 
as  Jude  tells  us,  "  twice  dead,  plucked  up  by  the  root;"  from  which 
fearful  ruin,  we  pray  God  save  you  all,  that  you  may  not  be  a  grief 
to  those  who  labor  among  you  in  the  word  and  doctrine,  nor  be  bar- 
ren and  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ ;  nor  want  the  comforts  and  hope  of  the  glory  that  is  to  fol- 
low. You  complain  of  deadness  and  lukewarmness  in  your  souls  ;  what 
can  be  the  reason,  but  earthliness,  or  a  careless,  indolent,  and  un- 
stable resolution  to  go  forward  ?  The  Spirit  is  always  ready,  did  we 
but  attend  and  cherish  his  motions.  By  frequently  meeting  together, 
you  might  be  strengthened  with  all  might,  according  to  his  power,  to 
run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  you.  Go  on  in  the 
strength  of  your  God,  making  mention  of  his  righteousness,  and  his 
only.     Shake  off  all  sleepiness  and  sloth.     The  house  above  is  pre- 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


67 


pared  ;  the  crown  and  seats  are  all  ready ;  souls  there  wait  for  yon, 
and  wonder  why  the  number  is  not  yet  completed.  Long  and  pray 
for  it.  Be  watchful  unto  death,  and  you  shall  enjoy  a  happy  crown 
with  them  for  ever.  Seek  for  establishment  in  the  ways  of  sincere 
piety,  that  you  may  grow  like  the  palm  tree  in  Lebanon.  Keep  the 
unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.  Obey  them  that  rule  over 
you  in  the  Lord,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  live  in  joy  and  not  in  sor- 
row, which  will  be  unprofitable  to  you. 

We  recommend  you  to  him  who  is  able  to  do  for  you  and  ourselves 
far  above  what  we  are  able  to  ask  or  think.  To  him  be  power  and 
glory,  dominion  and  thanks,  for  evermore. 

From  your  fellow  laborers  in  the  mercy  and  grace  of  our  exalted 
Saviour. 


Robert  Chalfant, 
Job  Sheppard, 
George  George, 
Joshua  Obdick, 
David  Sutton, 
John  Stout, 
Nathan  Evans, 
Robert  Parsons, 
Arnold  Francis, 
Isaac  Stelle, 


J.  Williams, 
John  Thomas, 
Malec.  Bowen, 
Rees  Jones, 
William  Marshall, 
William  Darby, 
Thomas  Rees, 
William  Taylor, 
Wm.  Cheesman,  Jr., 
B.  Miller, 


Nath.  Jenkins, 
Jenkin  Jones, 
Abel  Morgan, 
John  Davis, 
David  Davis, 
Benjamin  Griffith, 
James  Carman, 
Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
Joshua  Potts, 
Isaac  Eaton. 


Brother  M.  Bowen  is  to  preach  the  annual  sermon  next  year;  in 
case  of  failure.  Brother  I.  Stelle.  To  begin  two  days  before  the 
fourth  Lord's  day  in  September,  at  3  o'clock,  p.  M. 

1752. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  congregations  in  Penn- 
sylvania and  the  Jerseys,  baptized  on  profession  of  their  faith,  met 
in  Association  at  Philadelphia,  October  3d,  1752. 

To  the  several  congregations  we  represent,  we  send  Christian 
salutation. 

Dearly  beloved  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  whose  interest  we  hope 
all  of  us  have  chiefly  at  heart, — We  met,  and,  after  the  Association 
sermon,  received  your  letters,  and,  with  great  satisfaction,  accepted 
your  messengers,  and  rejoice  to  see  your  care  and  unwearied  dili- 
gence in  keeping  up  our  annual  correspondence ;  and  so  much  the 
more  our  joy  is  increased  in  that  we  find  our  churches,  for  the  most 
part,  are  at  peace  and  unity  among  themselves,  and  have  had  con- 
siderable additions,  the  which  valuable  blessings  we  bespeak  the  great 
Master  of  assemblies  to  continue,  and  make  more  and  more  to 
abound  to  the  glory  of  his  great  name,  and  the  comfort  of  us  who 
labor  in  the  word  and  doctrine,  and  the  mutual  benefit  of  you  all 
with  whom  we  are  concerned.  And  now,  dear  brethren,  as  our  con- 
sultations have  been  loving  and  unanimous,  so  we  are  going  in  love 


68  MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

to  part,  not  knowing  whether  we  shall  ever  see  one  anothers'  faces  in 
time  any  more.  Therefore,  we  solemnly  charge  you,  in  the  fear  of 
God,  that  you  labor  constantly  to  walk  answerable  to  your  heavenly 
calling,  and  to  any  of  you,  among  whom  there  may  be  discord,  strife, 
and  debates,  we  say,  that  as  Satan  hath  made  an  inroad  upon  you, 
beware  of  giving  a  helping  hand  to  so  dangerous  an  enemy,  but  labor 
by  all  means  to  heal  the  breaches  in  Zion,  that  the  church  may  still 
appear  a  company  compact  together,  as  an  army  with  banners.  And, 
if  any  of  you  are  complaining  of  deadness,  barrenness,  and  leanness, 
though  in  the  present  enjoyment  of  the  precious  means  of  grace,  we 
say,  see  to  it.  No  doubt  carelessness,  unwatchfulness,  and  worldly 
mindedness,  are  the  causes  hereof.  Remember  from  whence  you  are 
fallen,  and  repent.  AVhat  we  say  further,  we  say  to  all,  watch,  that 
at  the  heavenly  bridegroom's  coming,  either  by  death  or  judgment, 
ye  may  be  ready  to  meet  him  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief.  We  com- 
mend you  to  God,  and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  who  is  able  to  build 
you  up,  and  to  give  you  an  inheritance  among  them  that  are  sanc- 
tified. ^Ye  rest  your  loving  brethren  in  the  faith  and  fellowship  of 
the  gospel.  Amen. 

Saml.   Jones,  Ephraim  Thomas,  Jas.  Carman, 

John  Gano,  Jas.  Mott,  Isaac  Stelle, 

John  Stout,  Jenkin  Jones,  Joshua  Root, 

David  Goons,  Nathl.  Jenkins,  Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 

Wm.  Juel,  Benj.  Griffith,  Benj.  Miller, 

Icabud  Thompson,    Abel  Morgan,  Wm.  Marshel, 

Saml.  Guy,  John  Davis,  Augustus  Stillman. 
Jno.  Thomas, 

Query  from  the  church  at  Kingwood ;  Whether  a  person  denying 
unconditional  election,  the  doctrine  of  original  sin,  and  the  final 
perseverance  of  the  saints,  and  striving  to  afi"ect  as  many  as  he  can, 
may  have  full  communion  -with  the  church  ? 

Answer :  That  the  very  consequence  of  it  opposeth  the  absolute 
sovereignty  of  God  over  his  own  creatures  contrary  to  express  scrip- 
tures, which  do  declare  and  fully  prove,  the  three  parts  denied  by 
said  questionist. 

1st.  That  personal  election  is  the  truth  of  God,  Eph.  i.  5 ;  Matt, 
xxiv.  24 ;  and  our  infallible  hope  is  proved  by  John,  chap.  x.  28  ;  as 
also,  the  saints'  perseverance,  verse  29,  John  xvii.  6  ;  they  are  the 
gift  of  the  Father  to  his  Son  Christ,  Avho  will,  and  is  able  to  keep 
them  and  secure  their  happiness,  John  xvii.  24. ;  Acts  xiii.  48.  The 
foundation  of  God  standeth  sure,  whatever  becomes  of  the  pre- 
sumptuous counsels  of  obstinate  men.  2  Thess.  ii.  13. ;  Titus  i.  1. ; 
1  Peter  i.  2-5. 

2.  That  we  are  originally  sinful  or  partakers  of  the  first  sin  of 
human  nature,  being  all  included  in  Adam  when  he  was  created,  and 
partakers  of  that  happiness,  with  which  he  was  indued,  as  his  right- 
ful heir ;  but  he,  forgetting  that  great  favor  bestowed  freely  upon 
him  and  his  posterity,  we,  as  well  as  himself,  are  justly  shut  out  of 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  69 

our  native  happiness,  and  have  lost  our  right  thereunto  forever, 
unless  our  title  be  restored  by  the  second  Adam,  the  Lord  from 
heaven,  by  being  effectually  called  in  time.  Eph.  ii.  12,  13 ;  Rom. 
V.  12  to  the  end ;  Eel.  vii.  2.  Upon  which  fundamental  doctrines  of 
Christianity,  next  to  the  belief  of  an  eternal  God,  our  faith  must  rest ; 
-and  we  adopt,  and  would  that  all  the  churches  belonging  to  the  Bap- 
tist Association  be  well  grounded  in  accordance  to  our  Confession  of 
faith  and  catechism,  and  cannot  allow  that  any  are  true  members  of 
our  churches  who  deny  the  said  principles,  be  their  conversation  out- 
ward what  it  will. 

The  Association,  next  year,  is  to  begin  on  Tuesday  after  the 
second  Lord's  day,  in  October,  at  3  o'clock,  p.  m.  Brother  Nathaniel 
Jenkins  is  to  preach  the  sermon ;  in  case  of  his  failure,  Brother 
Jenkin  Jones. 


1753. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  congregations  baptized  on 
profession  of  faith,  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys,  met  in  Associa- 
tion at  Philadelphia,  the  16th  of  October,  1753. 

To  the  several  congregations  we  relate  unto,  send  greeting  : 
Dearly  beloved  brethren  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, — We  rejoice 
to  hear  that  the  most  of  our  churches  are  at  peace,  and  in 
divers  places  have  had  some  addition,  for  which  valuable  blessing 
we  pray  that  our  God  may  perfect  praise  from  us  and  you.  We 
thank  you  for  your  constant  diligence  in  endeavoring  to  keep  up  this 
annual  correspondence,  and  it  is  with  much  satisfaction  that  we 
hear  our  past  counsels  and  admonitions  are  solemnly  regarded  by 
you.  We  have  to  inform  you  that  we  met  together  in  love  and  peace, 
and  we  trust,  that  through  your  prayers,  and  the  abundant  supply  of 
the  Spirit  of  grace,  our  consultations  and  debates  have  been  attended 
with  valuable  blessing ;  and  now  as  we  are  to  part  from  each  other, 
we  tenderly  counsel  and  advise  you,  in  the  fear  of  God,  that  ye  labor 
to  walk  close  with  him  in  the  several  duties  incumbent  on  you  as 
Christians.  Be  not  satisfied  with  generals,  but  labor  in  a  constant, 
actual  derivation  from  Christ,  to  perform  each  particular  duty  with 
life  and  power.  For  want  of  careful  attendance  and  watchfulness 
hereunto,  many  have  had  their  minds  and  consciences  defiled  by  sin, 
to  their  great  discomfort,  to  the  dishonor  of  God,  and  grief  of  their 
brethren.  Labor,  dear  souls,  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the 
bonds  of  peace.  The  want  of  diligence  in  the  prosecution  of  the 
several  duties  hereunto  tending,  is  one  great  reason  why  particular 
communities  are  sometimes  distracted  with  dreadful  disturbances, 
with  Satan's  inroad  upon  them ;  and  therefore,  beloved  brethren, 
be  exhorted  to  watch  and  pray  lest  ye  enter  into  temptation,  that 
at  the  heavenly  bridegroom's  coming  you  may  be  ready  to  meet  him 
with  exceeding  joy.  We  commend  you  to  God  and  to  the  word  of 
his  grace,  who  is  able  to  preserve  you  to  his  heavenly  kingdom 


70 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom,  with  the  Father  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  glory  forever.  Amen. 
Your  brethren  in  the  best  of  bonds. 


Joseph  Heart, 
Abel  Griffith, 
Icabed  Tompkins, 
Joshua  Smaley, 
Samuel  Morgan, 
Jonathan  Smith, 
Wm.  Marshal, 
Henry  Crosby, 
Benj.  Stout, 
Stephen  Watts. 
David  Lewis, 


Jno.  Stiles, 
Wm.  Cheesman, 
Danl.  Griffith, 
Jas.  Davis, 
Geo.  Drake, 
Jeffrey  Bentley, 
Geo.  Bentley, 
Jenkin  Jones, 
Benj.  Griffith, 
Owen  Thomas, 


Jas.  Carman, 
Abel  Morgan, 
Isaac  Eaton, 
John  Davis, 
Benj.  Miller, 
Malachia  Bonham, 
Isaac  Still, 
Thos.  Jones, 
Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
John  Thomas. 


1.  Query  from  the  Church  at  Kingwood:  Whether  the  assurance 
of  faith  be  absolutely  necessary  in  order  for  admission  to  baptism  ? 

The  judgment  of  this  Association  is:  It  appears  to  us,  both  from 
scripture  and  experience,  that  true  saving  faith  may  subsist  where 
there  is  not  assurance  of  faith. — Therefore,  in  answer  to  the  second 
query.  That  a  person  sound  in  judgment,  professing  his  faith  of 
reliance  on  Christ  for  mercy  and  salvation,  accompanied  with  a  gospel 
conversation,  ought  to  be  baptized. 

Query  from  the  church  at  the  Scotch  Plains :  Whether  a  person, 
observing  the  seventh  day  as  a  Sabbath,  and  keeping  the  first  day 
in  condescension,  may  be  received  into  membership  ? 

Resolved,  That  such  may,  provided  nothing  else  appear  to  the 
contrary. 

Agreed  to  receive  the  chm-ch  lately  constituted  at  Rocksberry  into 
fellowship  with  us. 

Concluded,  that  any  brother  called  by  any  of  our  churches  to 
exercise  his  gift,  when  approved  of  at  home,  should,  before  his  ordi- 
nation, visit  other  churches,  and  preach  among  them,  and  obtain  from 
those  churches  concurring  evidence  of  their  approbation,  that  it  is 
proper  and  convenient  that  such  may  be  ordained. 

The  Association  is  to  begin  next  year,  on  Tuesday  after  the  first 
Lord's  day,  in  October.  Brother  Owen  Thomas  is  to  preach  the 
sermon  at  3  o'clock,  P.  M. ;  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  Benjamin 
Griffith. 


1754. 

The  elders  and  messengers  met  in  Association  at  Philadelphia, 
October  8th,  1754.    Greeting. 

Dear  brethren,  our  joy  and  crown  in  the  day  of  the  Lord, — We 
delight  to  inform  yoti,  that  we  met  your  messengers,  and  are  thankful 
upon  hearing,  in  your  letters,  of  tlie  general  peace  in  the  churches, 
with  considerable  increase  in  some  of  them.  We  trust  your 
prayers    for   us  have,  in  some    measure,   been   answered,   in  that 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


71 


Ave  have  enjoyed  sweet  harmony  in  all  our  consultations  to  the  great 
confirmation  of  one  another.  Being  about  to  depart,  suffer  us  to 
recommend  to  your  consideration  the  following  necessary  things. 
Take  heed,  brethren,  to  maintain  love  and  unity  among  yourselves. 
Beware  of  every  thing  that  tends  to  schism.  Exhort  and  provoke  one 
another  to  love  and  good  works,  and  the  more  as  you  see  the  day  of 
deadness  and  lukewarmness  approaching.  Awake  to  repentance  in  the 
use  of  your  temporal  and  spiritual  privileges.  Your  professed  and 
powerful  enemy  threatens  and  frowns ;  the  obligations  you  are  under, 
as  followers  of  Jesus,  are  many  and  strong.  Strive  to  uphold  and 
strengthen  your  ministers.  Omit  not  the  duty  of  church  relation  one 
toward  another  ;  keep  your  place  in  the  house  of  God.  Be  constant  in 
family  prayer,  and  frequent  in  secret ;  keep  an  hourly  watch  over 
your  conduct  in  the  world,  lest  you  wound  the  precious  cause  of 
Christ. 

Brethren,  we  commit  you  to  the  Lord  and  the  word  of  his  grace, 
praying  for  your  establishment  in  the  ways  of  Christ,  the  king  of 
his  church.  Gird  up  the  loins  of  your  minds  and  be  sober.  Wait 
for  the  coming  of  the  Lord  from  heaven  with  his  mighty  angels,  to 
release  his  church  from  her  militant  state  to  glory  and  triumph. 

Concluded,  to  receive  the  church  of  Ketockton,  and  the  church  of 
Opekon,  in  Virginia,  into  fellowship  with  this  Association. 

In  consequence  of  the  prevailing  deadness  that  overspreads  the 
land,  and  the  imminent  danger  our  continent  seems  actually  to  labor 
under,  from  the  bold  encroachments  of  our  avowed  enemies  on  our 
frontiers,  concluded,  that  the  second  Thursday  in  November  next,  be 
observed  as  a  day  of  humiliating,  fasting,  and  prayer  to  God,  that 
he  may  be  mercifully  pleased  to  remove  the  impending  judgment. 

Sermon  next  year  is  to  be  on  Tuesday  after  the  first  Lord's  day, 
in  October,  at  3  o'clock,  p.  m.,  by  Brother  Benjamin  Griffiths ;  in 
case  of  failure,  Brother  Abel  Morgan. 


Benj.  Stout, 
Wm.  James, 
Hen.  Loyd, 
Abm.  Ashburn, 
Dav.  Sutton, 
Reun.  Wingate, 
Ichad.  Tompkins, 
Owen  Howell, 
Stn.  Watts, 
Thos.  Curtis, 
Robt.  Chalfant, 


Obah.  Bobbins, 
Jon.  Thomas, 
Jon.  Gano, 
Jos.  Davis, 
Saml.  Watson, 
Wm.  Marshall, 
Saml.  Ashmead, 
John  Watson, 
Josh.  Sheppard, 
Recompense  Stansbury 
Isa.  Mott, 


Edwd.  Lucas, 
Jenkin  Jones, 
Benj.  Griffiths, 
Abel  Morgan, 
Thos.  Jones, 
Isaac  Eaton, 
Josa.  Potts, 
Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
John  Davis, 
Mai.  Bonham. 


1755. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  consresations  of  Chris- 
tians  baptized,  upon  profession  of  their  faith,  in  Pennsylvania  and 
the  Jerseys,  met  at  Philadelphia,  October  7th,  1755. 


72 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


To  the  several  churches  we  respectively  belong,  send  our  loving 
salutation : 

Dearly  beloved  brethren, — We,  your  delegates,  having  met  in  gospel 
affection,  were  refreshed  in  hearing  your  letters,  and  finding  peace 
subsists  throughout  our  churches,  and  some  addition  in  several  of 
them.  We  hope  the  public  cause  is  in  progressive  circumstances. 
We  had  affectionate  and  pressing  requests  from  many  places  for 
ministerial  help.  Our  souls  are  concerned  for  those  who  are  like  to 
perish  for  lack  of  vision ;  therefore,  we  entreat  you  to  be  fervent 
and  frequent  at  the  throne  of  grace,  that  the  Lord  would  send  forth 
many  faithful  laborers  into  his  vineyard.  We  earnestly  recommend 
as  necessary,  that  you  might  be  free  to  spare  your  ministers  some 
time  to  supply  those  who  would  otherwise  be  altogether  destitute. 

Be  earnest  and  constant  in  attending  on  the  duties  of  religion ; 
neglect  not  secret  prayer ;  pray  for  and  with  your  families ;  labor 
for  a  general  humiliation  for  your  own  sins  and  the  sins  of  the  land, 
seeing  God,  by  his  providence,  calls  loudly  for  it,  and  knowing  that 
our  civil  and  religious  privileges  are  threatened.  Improve  the  pre- 
cious means  of  grace  whilst  you  enjoy  them.  Strengthen  and  encourage 
your  ministry ;  be  careful  to  attend  public  worship ;  keep  close  to 
your  communions ;  observe  your  place  in  all  church  meetings ;  and  in 
all  respects  strive  to  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  you  are 
called.  Committing  you  to  the  Lord  and  the  word  of  his  grace,  we 
subscribe  ourselves  your  brethren  in  gospel  relation. 

Benj.  Griffith,  Moderator. 


Samuel  Borchilo, 
Samuel  Jones, 
James  Mott, 
Edward  Keasly, 
John  Lonmay, 
Richard  William, 
Peter  Cochlan, 
John  Gare, 
Wm.  Marshel, 
John  Hart, 
Jehobold  Tompkin, 


Jesse  Binely, 
John  Garet, 
John  Thomas, 
David  Evans, 
John  Thomas, 
James  Carman, 
Job  Sheperd, 
Isaac  Eaton, 
Saml.  Heaton, 
Daniel  Smith, 


John  Stiles, 
Joshua  Obesick, 
George  George, 
Jenkin  Jones, 
John  Davis, 
Abel  Morgan, 
Joshua  Potts, 
Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
John  Gano, 
Isaac  Still. 


Concluded,  to  receive  the  church  lately  constituted  at  Alloway's 
Creek,  in  Salem  county;  the  church  constituted  in  New  Britain,  in 
Bucks  county,  November  28,  1754 ;  also,  the  church  constituted  in 
Baltimore  county,  Maryland,  and  two  churches  constituted  in  the 
province  of  Virginia,  viz.,  one  in  Fairfax  county,  Oketon  Tract ;  the 
other  at  Mill  Creek,  Frederick  county. 

Appointed,  that  one  ministering  brother  from  the  Jerseys,  and  one 
from  Pennsylvania,  visit  North  Carolina :  the  several  churches  to 
contribute  to  bear  their  expense. 

Brother  Thomas  Davis  is  to  visit  Cape  May  this  fall,  and  stay 
with  them  a  month.     Brother  Abel  Morgan,  the  second  Sabbath  in 


lilNUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  73 

March.     Our  ministering  brethren  have  unanimously  agreed  to  visit 
several  vacancies  the  ensuing  year. 

Concluded,  that  it  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  ministering 
brethren  that  travel  to  Carolina,  to  ordain  Mr.  Jaret,  in  Virginia. 

Concluded  to  leave  the  ordination  of  W.  Chrisley  to  the  Jersey 
ministering  brethren. 

Our  churches,  in  general,  are  advised  to  keep  Thursday,  the  23d 
of  October,  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  seeing  our  privileges,  civil 
and  religious,  require  it. 

That  Brother  Abel  Morgan  is  to  preach  the  Associational  sermon 
next  year ;  in  case  of  his  failure.  Brother  David  Davis,  on  Tuesday 
after  the  first  Lord's  Day,  in  October,  at  3  o'clock,  p.  m. 

The  ministry  that  travel  are  to  set  out  on  Tuesday,  the  28th  of 
of  October. 

1756. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  congregations,  bap- 
tized on  profession  of  faith,  in  Pennsylvania,  New  Jersey,  and 
provinces  adjacent,  met  in  Association  at  Philadelphia,  October  5th, 
1756. 

To  the  several  churches  we  respectively  relate  unto,  do  send  our 
loving  salutation. 

Dear  brethren, — We  your  messengers  and  fellow  members  of  the 
same  mystical  body,  having  met  together  in  love  and  gospel  unity, 
"were  refreshed  by  hearing  your  letters  read,  finding  that  our  churches 
are  generally  at  peace,  and  in  divers  parts  have  had  considerable 
additions.  Blessed  be  our  God  therefor.  And  now,  dear  brethren, 
as  we  are  about  to  part  from  each  other,  sufier  us  to  express  our  con- 
stant love  and  care  for  you,  by  recommending  to  you  the  following 
necessary  duties,  viz :  Be  constant  at  the  throne  of  grace  for  the 
several  purposes  revealed  to  you  in  the  holy  scripture  ;  not  in  a  dead, 
lifeless,  and  formal  manner ;  but  labor  after  free  access  to  God,  in 
the  blessed  Mediator's  name,  that  out  of  his  fullness  we  may  all 
receive,  and  grace  for  grace.  Strive  to  excel  in  practical  religion, 
and  think  that  time  lost  wherein  you  do  not  make  some  advances  in 
the  Christian  life.  Be  constant  in  reading,  hearing,  and  meditating 
on  the  sacred  word  that  you  may  profit  thereby.  Tremble  at  the 
thought  of  being  found  foolish  virgins  at  last.  Be  careful  of  the 
instruction  of  youth,  and  those  untfer  your  care,  that  when  you  come 
to  give  up  your  accounts  to  Him  that  is  ready  to  judge  the  quick  and 
dead,  you  may  do  it  with  joy  and  not  with  grief.  Encourage  and 
strengthen  the  hand  of  your  ministers,  and  freely  consent  to  their 
visiting  of  vacant  places,  that  others  may  share  the  blessings  of  the 
gospel  of  peace  with  you. 
^  Finally,  brethren,  fear  God,  and  honor  the  king  by  every  expres- 
sion of  duty  and  loyalty,  seeing  our  nation  and  land  are  in  danger 
by  a  potent  enemy,  preparing  the  worst  of  times,  while  you  hope  and 
pray  for  the  best. 

So  we  commend  you  to  God,  and  to  the  word  of  his  grace.     Pray- 

10 


74  MINUTES    OF    THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

ing  that  you  may  be  preserved  safe  to  His  heavenly  kingdom,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 

We  rest  your  brethren  in  gospel  relation, 

Jenkin  Jones,  Moderator. 

Wm.  Buckingham,        John  Clesy,  Isaac  Eaton, 

Jas.  Davis,  Eleazer  Evans,  Isaac  Stelle, 

Danl.  Covnock,  John  Stout,  Thos.  Jones, 

Abel  Griffiths,  Robt.  Chalfant,  Robt.  Kelsy, 

Geo.  Eaton,  Jeremiah  Collett,  John  Davis, 

Stephen  Watts,  Benj.  Griffiths,  Joseph  Thomas, 

Lewis  Thomas,  Abel  Morgan,  John  Thomas. 

Saml.  Morgan,  John  Davis, 

Query  from  the  church  at  Morristown  :  Whether  a  woman  may  be 
received  into  the  church  that  is  married  to  her  sister's  husband,  after 
her  said  sister's  decease,  said  man  having  had  children  by  both  ? 

Resolved,  that  because  such  marriages  are  not  tolerated  by  the  laws 
of  our  land,  we  judge  it  unadvisable  to  receive  such  persons. 

Concluded,  to  advise  our  several  congregations  to  make  some 
charitable  contributions  towards  the  relief  of  the  present  necessity 
of  our  brother,  Mr,  Samuel  Heaton,  who  was  driven  from  his  pos- 
sessions by  the  Indians. 

Concluded,  to  appoint  the  last  Thursday  of  this  instant  October, 
to  be  kept  by  our  churches,  by  fasting  and  prayer,  and  so  to  be  con- 
tinued quarterly  throughout  the  year,  unless  we  shall  have  cause  to 
turn  our  fasting  into  thanks  and  praise  to  God  for  dehverance 
granted. 

Concluded,  to  publish  in  a  public  print,  a  certain  William  Leaton, 
for  his  irregular  proceedings,  in  going  about  under  the  name  of  a 
Baptist  minister,  when  he  neither  is,  nor  ever  was,  a  member  in  any 
of  our  churches,  if,  upon  warning  given  him,  he  does  not  desist. 

Concluded,  to  raise  a  sum  of  money  towards  the  encouragement  of 
a  Latin  Grammar  School  for  the  promotion  of  learning  amongst  us, 
under  the  care  of  Brother  Isaac  Eaton,  and  the  inspection  of  our 
brethren  Abel  Morgan,  Isaac  Stelle,  Abel  Griffith,  and  Peter  Peter- 
son Vanhorn. 

Concluded,  that  Brother  David  Davis  is  to  preach  the  Association 
sermon  next  year;  and,  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  Isaac  Stelle. 

The  Association  to  begin  on  Tuesday  after  the  first  Lord's  day  in 
October,  at  3  o'clock,  p.  m. 

1757. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  congregations  in  Pennsylvania, 
the  Jerseys,  and  provinces  adjacent,  baptized  on  profession  of  their 
faith,  met  in  annual  Association  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  the 
fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  days  of  October,  1757. 

To  the  several  congregations  we  respectively  relate  to,  do  send  our 
loving  salutation. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


75 


Dear  brethren  and  fellow  members  of  the  mystical  body  of  which 
Jesus  Christ  is  the  head,  we,  your  delegates,  have,  according  to 
appointment,  met  in  gospel  peace  and  unity,  and  conferred  together, 
in  our  usual  manner,  about  the  affairs  of  the  churches.  Our  consul- 
tations have  been  unanimous.  The  tidings  from  the  churches  con- 
siderably comfortable;  they  being  generally  at  peace,  and  having 
some  additions.  Blessed  be  God  for  special  favors  in  the  worst  of 
national  calamities  and  distresses.  We  had  many  pressing  calls  from 
vacant  places  for  ministerial  helps,  which  we  hope  will  be  an  induce- 
ment to  all  our  churches  to  spare  their  ministers  as  much  as  possible 
to  supply  them.  Dear  brethren,  as  we  with  you,  and  you  with  us, 
remain  the  standing  monuments  of  sparing  goodness,  in  the  midst  of 
surrounding  difficulties,  be  exhorted  with  us  to  double  your  diligence 
in  the  faithful  discharge  of  every  duty  incumbent  on  you  as  Chris- 
tians. Wrestle  much  with  the  Lord  in  prayer,  in  behalf  of  our  bleed- 
ing land,  still  invaded  and  involved  in  ravage  and  bloodshed.  Is  it 
not  affecting  to  think,  that,  though  our  last  year's  appointed  fast 
days  have  been  kept  in  our  churches,  so  little  of  a  real  spirit  of  true 
humiliation  appears.  All  our  prayers,  together  with  the  prayers  of 
Christians  of  other  denominations,  avail  not  as  yet.  National  calami- 
ties still  remain  as  sad  tokens  that  the  cause  is  not  removed,  or  that 
the  sin  of  our  nation  is  very  great.  This  is  a  loud  alarm  to  us  to 
awake  from  stupidity,  and  be  earnest  with  the  Lord.  We  commend 
you  to  the  care  and  keeping  of  the  great  Shepherd,  and  Bishop  of 
souls. 


Lewis  Thomas, 
David  Powell, 
William  Fobwell, 
David  Sutton, 
Zebulon  Stout, 
Isaac  Wheaton, 
Peter  Rominee, 
Joseph  Snether, 
Timothy  Parke, 
Sampson  Davis, 
William  Marshall, 
Isaac  Evans, 


John  Davis, 
Saml.  Hutton, 
Henry  Crosby, 
William  Marsh, 
Abel  Griffith, 
Joshua  Jones, 
Saml.  Morgan, 
William  Darly, 
James  Mott, 
Saftey  Megee, 
Thos.  Hart, 


Benjamin  Griffiths, 
Jenkin  Jones, 
Owen  Thomas, 
Abel  Morgan, 
Benj.  Miller 
Robt.  Celly, 
Joshua  Potts, 
Peter.  P.  Vanhorn, 
Thomas  Jones, 
Isaac  Eaton, 
John  Davis. 


Agreed  to  receive  the  letter  and  messenger  sent  from  the  church 
recently  constituted  in  Newtown,  Sussex  county.  New  Jersey,  in 
union  with  this  Association.     William  Marsh,  their  minister. 

In  answer  to  a  request  from  a  number  of  inhabitants  in  Bateman's 
precincts,  Dutchess  county.  New  York  government,  agreed  that  our 
brethren,  Mr.  Miller  and  Mr.  William  Marsh,  visit  them,  and  give 
the  petitioners  such  directions  and  assistance  as  they  shall  judge 
convenient. 

In  answer  to  a  request  from  Kingwood,  for  ministerial  supplies, 
we  advise  them  to  apply  to  Montgomery,  principally,  and  to  others, 
as  occasion  requires. 


76  MINUTES   OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Agreed,  that  our  ministers  visit  Philadelphia  as  often  as  they  con- 
veniently can  this  year. 

Concluded,  that  our  churches  shall  continue  the  quarterly  fasts  by 
fervent  prayer  to  God  for  our  nation  and  kingdom,  and  for  these 
American  colonies,  as  was  last  year  observed,  unless  God  give  us 
cause  to  turn  our  fasts  to  thankscrivino;s. 

In  consideration  of  the  very  great  necessity  for  ministerial  labor  in 
many  of  the  churches  belonging  to  this  Association,  we  request  the 
church  of  Montgomery  to  send  some  of  her  young  ministers  to  sup- 
ply them  as  often  as  possible. 

This  Association  having,  in  the  year  past,  encouraged  the  Latin 
Grammar  School  to  promote  useful  learning  among  us,  have  again 
resumed  the  consideration,  and  concluded  to  request  the  churches 
to  contribute  their  mite  towards  its  support. 

The  Association  to  begin  next  year  on  the  Tuesday  after  the  first 
Lord's  day  in  October,  at  3  o'clock,  p.  m.  Sermon  by  Brother  David 
Davis ;  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  Isaac  Stelle. 

1758. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  congregations  in  Pennsylvania 
and  the  Jerseys,  baptized,  on  profession  of  their  faith,  met  in  annual 
Association  at  Philadelphia,  October  3d,  1758. 

Send  Christian  salutation. 

Dearly  beloved  brethren, — We,  your  messengers,  met,  according  to 
appointment,  and  enjoyed  the  comfort  of  seeing  each  other  once 
more ;  received  good  tidings  from  the  churches  in  these  parts  of  the 
world,  of  their  peace  and  unity  among  themselves,  and  of  more  or 
less  additions  the  last  year,  and  of  souls  longing  for  the  means  of 
grace.  Our  ministering  brothers  preached  among  us  the  truth  of 
the  gospel.  We  have  just  cause  to  thank  God  for  his  desirable 
goodness  bestowed  on  us.  Your  prayers  for  us,  brethren,  were  not 
in  vain.  Experience  of  mercies  ought  to  quicken  us  all  in  our  future 
dependence,  and  continuance  to  call  on  his  sacred  name.  We  are 
now  about  to  part  with  each  other.  Receive  from  us,  holy  brethren, 
a  few  words  in  faithfulness  and  love.  Above  all  things  bless  the 
Lord  for  the  riches  of  his  grace,  through  Jesus  Christ,  for  your  souls. 
He  hath  raised  you  from  the  depths  of  sin  and  ruin,  to  life  and  sal- 
vation ;  to  be  the  children  of  God  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ,  Praise 
him  for  the  continuance  of  your  precious  enjoyments  in  the  midst  of 
threatening  desolation.  Improve  the  means  of  grace.  Make  a  great 
account  of  the  holy  Scriptures.  Encourage  the  gospel  administra- 
tors among  you,  by  prayers  for  them,  and  reducing  their  instruction 
to  practice.  Maintain  a  tender  conscience.  Be  careful  to  abstain 
from  all  appearances  of  evil.  Strive  to  make  your  church  relation 
comfortable  to  each  other.  Watch  over  yourselves  and  over  one 
another  for  good  ;  walk  with  God.  Desire  nearness  to  him  under 
affliction,  deadness,  and  lukewai-mness.  Put  in  practice  the  doctrines 
Christ  gives  for  its  removal.    Be  much  in  prayer  in  your  closets  and 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


77 


families.  Command  your  children  and  families  to  be  present  at  these 
times.  Afford  them  the  opportunity  of  grace.  Bear  one  another's 
burdens,  and  so  fulfil  the  law  of  Christ,  that  the  whole  glory  may  be 
to  God,  in  the  church  of  Jesus  Christ,  throughout  all  ages,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

Now,  verily,  beloved  brethren,  may  grace  make  you  perfect,  esta- 
blish, strengthen,  and  settle  you  in  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the 
gospel. 


Isaac  Eaton, 
Jenkin  Jones, 
Benj.  Griffith, 
David  Davis, 
John  Davis, 
Abel  Morgan, 
Ben.  Miller, 
Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
John  Garret, 
Robt.  Kilsey, 
George  Eaton, 


John  Davis, 
Saml.  Eaton, 
Wm.  Marsh, 
Henry  Crosby, 
Saml.  Watson, 
John  Thomas, 
Abel  Griffis, 
Eakeble  Tompkins, 
Simon  Butler, 
Jonas  Shepperd, 
Jn.  Stites, 


Jeffry  Bently, 
Dav.  Stout, 
Jn.  Stout, 
Jonas  Grouble, 
Wm.  Folwell, 
Jonathan  Bowen, 
Hezekiah  Smith, 
Able  Davis, 
Peter  Copram, 
Joseph  Folwell, 
Henry  Woodrow. 


Received  into  union  with  this  Association  the  church  of  Christ, 
instituted  in  gospel  order,  November,  1757,  Bateman's  precincts, 
Dutchess  county,  in  the  province  of  New  York ;  their  letter  was  read, 
and  their  messenger,  who  is  their  minister,  Samuel  Walder,  admitted. 

Resolved  to  continue  quarterly  fasts.  The  first  will  be  the  fourth 
Thursday  of  October,  to  be  kept  by  way  of  thanksgiving  to  God  for 
our  deliverance  from  he  hand  of  our  enemies  and  the  success  of  his 
majesty's  arms. 

Resolved,  to  desire  our  churches  to  continue  a  contribution  toward 
a  Grammar  School,  under  consideration  that  what  has  been  done 
hitherto  in  that  way,  appears  to  have  been  well  laid  out,  there  being  a 
number  of  well  inclined  youths  applying  themselves  to  learning  therein. 

TESTIMONIAL. 

Ordered,  that  a  testimonial  be  given  and  signed  by  the  Rev. 
Jenkin  Jones,  minister  of  the  Baptist  meeting,  or  congregation,  in 
Philadelphia,  to  the  Rev.  John  Davis,  late  of  Bucks  county,  in  Penn- 
sylvania, but  now  of  Baltimore  county,  in  the  province  of  Maryland, 
certifying  his  regular  ordination,  according  to  the  rites,  ceremonies, 
and  approved  forms  and  usages  of  the  Baptist  church,  and  also  his 
purity  of  life,  manners,  and  conversation ;  and  recommending  him 
to  the  favor  of  all  Christian  people,  where  he  now  does,  or  may  here- 
after happen  to  dwell. 

In  pursuance  of  the  above  order,  the  following  testimonial  and  cer- 
tificate was  given  and  signed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones  to  the  Rev. 
John  Davis: 

"  To  all  Christian  people  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  : 

"  I,  Jenkin  Jones,  minister  of  the  Baptist  meeting  or  congregation 
of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  do  send  and  certify,  that  the  bearer 


78  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION, 

hereof,  Mr.  John  Davis,  late  of  Buck's  county,  in  the  province  of 
Pennsylvania,  but  now  residing  and  dwelling  in  Baltimore  county, 
in  the  province  of  INIaryland,  in  the  month  of  April,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  fifty-six,  was  regularly 
admitted,  ordained,  and  received  holy  order  to  preach  the  gospel  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  all  people,  according  to  the 
rites  and  ceremonies,  and  approved  forms  and  usages  of  the  Baptist 
church  ;  and  that  at  all  times,  before  and  since  his  ordination  afore- 
said, for  any  thing  heard,  known,  or  believed'  to  the  contrary,  he 
lived  a  holy  and  unblemished  life,  as  well  in  his  conversation  as  in  his 
actions.  And  I  do  humbly  recommend  him  to  the  notice,  esteem, 
and  regard  of  all  Christians,  where  he  now  does,  or  hereafter  may, 
reside,  or  with  whom  he  may  have  conversation  or  dealing. 

"In  testimony  whereof,  and  by  order  of  the  general  meeting  or 
Association  aforesaid,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand,  at  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  the  sixth  day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  One 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  fifty-eight. 

Jenkin  Jones. 

The  Association  is  to  begin  next  year  on  Tuesday  after  the  second 
Sunday  in  October,  at  3  o'clock,  P.  M.  Sermon  by  Brother  Isaac 
Stelle ;  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  Isaac  Eaton. 

1759. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  congregations  in  Penn- 
sylvania and  the  provinces  adjacent,  baptized  on  profession  of  their 
faith,  met  in  annual  Association,  at  Philadelphia,  October  the  16th, 
1759. 

To  the  several  congregations  we  relate  unto  and  represent,  do  send 
our  Christian  salutation. 

Dearly  beloved  brethren, — We,  your  messengers,  met  according  to 
appointment,  and  enjoyed  the  comfort  of  mutual  conversation ;  received 
good  tidings  from  the  several  churches  in  these  parts  of  the  world,  of 
their  unity  in  general  among  themselves,  and  of  more  or  less  increase 
in  most  of  them,  and  of  people  seeking  ministerial  supplies,  and 
longing  for  the  means  of  grace. 

Our  consultations,  while  together,  were  without  contention,  and  an 
agreeable  harmony  ran  through  the  whole  of  our  exercise.  Your 
wishes  and  prayers,  brethren,  were  not  in  vain,  blessed  be  God  for 
his  peculiar  favors  bestowed  on  us.  May  a  continued  experience 
of  His  faithfulness  excite  us  all  to  a  constant  dependence  on  Him  for 
all  future  supplies. 

And  now,  beloved  brethren,  receive  in  love  the  following  counsels 
and  advices  on  our  parting  from  each  other :  Adore  the  Author  of 
your  restoration ;  remember  the  depth  of  that  ruin  and  depravity 
from  whence  the  gracious  God  hath  raised  you  up  to  sit  with  Christ 
Jesus  in  heavenly  places  ;  make  a  profitable  use  of  the  means  of 
grace ;  acquaint  yourselves  more  abundantly  with  the  holy  scriptures ; 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  79 

let  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  be  reduced  into  proper  actings  of  every 
grace  in  your  souls,  and  holy  practice  in  your  conversation ;  endeavor 
always  after  heart  religion ;  maintain  and  promote  religion  in  your 
fiimilies ;  call  them  together  to  stated  worship ;  read  the  word  of 
God  to  them  ;  instruct  them  ;  pray  for  them,  and  with  them ;  use 
your  counsels  and  authority  to  prevent  them  from  evil  customs, 
trifling  or  profaning  the  Lord's  day ;  be  patterns  of  godliness  to 
them,  patterns  to  all.  Revive  the  things  which  are  ready  to  die ;  and 
amongst  other  things  revive  Christian  conversation ;  which  is  so 
profitable  for  mutual  comfort,  growth,  and  encouragement  of  religion. 
Labor  to  make  your  church  fellowship  every  way  useful  to  each  other ; 
watch  over  your  own  souls,  and  over  one  another  for  good  ;  use  the 
directions  given  by  our  Lord,  in  order  to  remove  the  plague  of  luke- 
warmness  and  indifference  from  you  in  the  things  of  God,  by  prayer 
and  holy  practice.  Encourage  those  who  labor  among  you  in  the 
ministration  of  the  gospel.  Live  in  love  and  grow  in  grace,  that  in 
all  God  may  be  glorified  in  the  churches  every  where,  who  is  worthy 
of  all  praise  and  thanksgiving,  world  without  end.  Amen. 
Erom  your  brethren  in  the  household  of  faith, 

Benjamin  Griffith,  Moderator. 
Alexr.  Edwards,  Saml.  Morgan,  Henry  Crosby, 

Joseph  Eldridge,  Benj.  Miller,  Joseph  Hart, 

Josiah  Jones,  George  Eaton,  Owen  Tomas, 

Jno.  Brown,  Abel  Griffith,  Abel  Morgan, 

Peter  Vanhorn,  John  Davis,  Thos.  Davis, 

Wm.  Davis,  Rob.  Kelsy,  David  Davis, 

Daniel  Griffith,  Isaac  Eaton,  Isaac  Stelle, 

Rob.  Chalfant,  Josiah  Potts,  John  Davis, 

John  Crow,  Saml.  Heaton,  Samuel  Burkalve. 

Concluded,  that  the  quarterly  fast  be  observed  the  following  year 
through  our  churches,  as  usual :  only  the  first  opportunity  to  be  on 
Wednesday,  the  31st  October,  and  to  be  kept  byway  of  thanksgiving 
for  the  peculiar  mercies  and  favors  granted  to  us,  on  the  success  of 
his  majesty's  arms,  &c.,  &c. 

Agreed  and  concluded  upon,  that  one  of  our  ministering  brethren 
yearly,  and  from  year  to  year,  who  is  esteemed  qualified  in  some 
competent  measure,  is  to  preach,  at  the  opening  of  the  Association, 
upon  one  of  the  fundamental  ai'ticles  of  the  Christian  faith,  and  his 
subject  to  be  given  him  by  the  Association  the  year  before. 

The  subject  next  year  to  be  concerning  the  Being  and  Attributes 
of  God.  Brother  Isaac  Taylor  to  preach  the  semnon,  and  in  case 
of  failure.  Brother  Abel  Morgan  to  perform  that  office. 

The  Association  to  begin  next  year  on  the  Tuesday  after  the  second 
Lord's  day  in  October,  at  3  o'clock,  p.  M. 

1760. 

The  elders  and  messengers  met  in  Association  at  Philadelphia, 
October  14th,  1760. 


80  MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

To  the  several  churches  we  represent  send  Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  in  our  blessed  Redeemer  and  glorious  Lord, — We  have 
renewed  cause  to  adore  our  gracious  God,  that  your  united  prayers 
for  us  have,  in  some  good  measure,  we  trust,  been  answered.  We 
met  according  to  appointment,  and  after  a  very  agreeable  discourse, 
find  our  churches  are  at  peace,  and  have  had  several  persons  added 
to  them  this  year.  Glory  be  to  God.  We  are  now  come  to  the  close 
of  our  work,  and  are  soon  to  part  one  from  the  other ;  looking  upon 
it  as  our  duty  to  endeavor  to  stir  up  your  pure  minds  by  way  of  re- 
membrance, we  entreat  you  to  receive  in  love  the  following  exhorta- 
tions :  First,  of  all,  adore  the  riches  of  divine  love  and  grace  that 
hath  called  you  from  darkness  unto  light,  and  from  the  king- 
dom of  Satan  unto  God,  which  hath  brought  you  from  death  to  life, 
from  being  strangers  and  foreigners  to  be  fellow  citizens  with  the 
saints  and  of  the  household  of  God.  Prize  your  privileges  of  being 
incorporated  together  in  the  relation  you  stand  in  to  God  and  to  one 
another.  Remember  that  very  solemn  covenant  you  have  entered  into, 
on  your  admission,  and  see  that  you  walk  agreeable  thereto,  both 
before  God  and  each  other.  Neglect  not  the  assembling  of  your- 
selves together  as  the  manner  of  some  is.  Use  the  means  of  grace 
with  dilgence  and  zeal.  Labor  to  believe  the  divine  truths  that  you 
profess.  Have  the  reality,  preciousuess,  and  purity  of  them  deeply 
impressed  upon  your  hearts.  Labor  to  enjoy  much  of  God  through 
Christ,  by  the  blessed  Spirit.  Let  faith  be  in  its  proper  exercise  upon 
its  glorious  objects.  Rely  wholly  upon  the  justifying  righteousness 
of  the  Mediator  for  peace  and  acceptance,  improving  the  promises 
of  the  gospel  for  your  encouragement,  establishment,  and  comfort. 

Let  your  secret  communion  with  God  be  witnessed  by  a  holy  con- 
versation in  the  world.  Let  your  moderation  be  known  to  all  men. 
Be  careful  to  perform  all  acts  of  Christian  charity  to  the  poor  and 
needy.  Sympathise  with  those  who  are  in  trouble.  Pity  and  pray 
for  those  that  are  afflicted.  Be  diligent  to  maintain  the  worship  of 
God  in  your  families  and  in  your  closet.  Be  careful  of  the  youth 
under  you ;  instruct  them  in  the  principles  of  religion ;  encourage 
them  in  the  practice  of  virtue ;  give  them  proper  reproof  when 
necessary.  Such  of  you  as  are  blessed  with  ministerial  gifts,  be 
careful  to  encourage  and  improve  them.  Those  churches  which 
are  destitute  of  such  precious  mercies,  let  them  improve  the  means 
they  have  ;  pray  earnestly  to  God  for  further  help,  and  use  all  proper 
means  to  improve  the  same.  In  a  word,  holy  brethren,  live  in  love, 
and  may  the  God  of  all  grace  and  love  be  with  you,  for  Christ's  sake. 

Benj.  Griffith,  Moderator. 

Willm.  Japscott,  Philip  Shepherd,  Thomas  Davis, 

John  Chosey,  David  Shepherd,  David  Davis, 

Saml.  Brooks,  Edwd.  Keasly,  Thomas  Jones, 

Amos  Johnson,  Wm,  Worth,  Josiah  Potts, 

Isaac  Peet,  Sylvs.  Townsend,  Benj.  miller, 

Hezekiah  Smith,  Saml.  Morgan,  P.  P.  Vanhorn, 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  81 

Griffith  Owen,  •  Josiah  Jones,  Isaac  Eaton, 

And.  Bray,  Danl.  Griffith,  Geo.  Eaton, 

Saml.  Burkalve,  Henry  Woodro,  Robt.  Kelsy, 

Alex.  Edwards,  Josiah  Mure,  Willm.  Marsh, 

Robt.  Chalfant,  John  Davis,  Inchabod  Tompkins. 

In  answer  to  a  request  from  the  church  at  Kingwood,  respecting 
the  difficulties  about  Mr.  Bonham,  Avho  desires  his  place,  and  gives 
not  satisfaction  ? 

Concluded,  to  send,  as  messengers  to  assist  them.  Brothers  Ben. 
Griffith,  Benj.  Miller,  and  Isaac  Eaton,  at  their  meeting  house,  first 
Tuesday  in  December,  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Appointed  Brothers  S.  Morgan  and  S.  Burkalve  to  inquire  after 
the  books  sent  to  our  society  by  Mr.  Hollis,  and  give  the  best  account 
they  can  by  next  meeting. 

Brother  Abel  Morgan  is  to  preach  the  Association  sermon  next 
year  ;  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  B.  Griffith.  Subject,  the  Divinity 
and  Authority  of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

The  Association  to  meet,  Tuesday  after  the  second  Lord's  day,  in 
October.     Sermon  to  begin  at  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Continue  our  quarterly  fasts,  the  one  on  Tuesday  after  the  fourth 
Lord's  day  of  this  month  to  be  regarded  as  a  day  of  thanksgiving 
for  mercies  received  ;  and  the  fast  days  to  be  quarterly  thereafter. 

1761. 

This  year,  the  Association  met  on  Wednesday,  October  14, 1761,  at 
Philadelphia,  when  a  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  Abel  Morgan, 
on  the  Divine  Origin  and  Authority  of  the  Scriptures,  from  John 
xvii.  17.  After  sermon,  the  messengers  of  twenty-three  congrega- 
tions met  to  the  number  of  forty-six,  whereof  nineteen  were  ministers, 
chose  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Miller,  moderator,  and  the  Rev.  Abel 
Morgan,  clerk. 

After  reading  the  following  memorial  from  the  church  at  Dividing 
Creek,  constituted  May  30, 1761,  it  was  received  into  the  Association. 

MEMORIAL. 

"  Whereas,  a  number  of  persons  resided  near  Dividing  Creek,  in 
the  county  of  Cumberland,  in  the  western  division  of  the  province  of 
New  Jersey ;  some  of  whom,  members  of  Cohansie  church,  some  of 
Cape  May  church,  and  some  not  of  any  particular  church ;  and 
whereas  these  lived  at  a  great  distance  from  the  said  churches,  and 
at  the  same  time  our  Rev.  brother  Samuel  Heaton  providentially 
settled  at  the  said  creek ;  Therefore,  the  above  said  persons  made  ap- 
plications to  their  respective  churches  for  dismission,  and  leave  to 
form  themselves  into  a  distinct  church,  both  which  they  obtained. 
Accordingly,  we  whose  names  are  under  written,  being  sent  by  the 

11 


82  MINUTES    OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

church  of  Cohansie,  did  meet  the  said  people  at  their  meeting  house 
on  the  day  above  mentioned ;  and  after  sermon,  laid  hands  on  such 
persons  as  had  been  baptized,  but  had  not  joined  themselves  to  any 
church :  then  all  gave  themselves  to  the  Lord  and  to  each  other  by 
a  solemn  covenant  which  they  signed  ;  and  were  declared  by  us  to  be 
a  regular  gospel  chm'ch ;  and  as  such  we  recommend  them  to  our 
Association. 

"  Signed,  at  Dividing  Creek,  the  day  and  the  year  above  mentioned, 
by  us, 

"  Robert  Kelsat,  Minister, 
Seth  Brooks,  Elder, 
Obediah  Robins,  Deacon." 

The  church  constituted  at  the  Dividing  Creek,  in  Cumberland 
county,  West  Jersey,  May  30th,  1761,  was  received  into  union  with 
this  Association. 

Acrreed,  That  our  reverend  brethren,  Mr.  Morgan  Edwards  and 
Mr.  Peter  Peterson  Vanhorn,  be  appointed  to  take  care  of  the  Asso- 
ciation book  of  records,  and  insert  therein  the  minutes  of  our  proceed- 
ings ;  the  said  book  to  be  kept  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  not 
to  be  removed  thence  without  the  order  of  the  Association. 

Reverend  Mr.  Morgan  Edwards  and  Isaac  Jones,  Esq.,  are  ap- 
pointed librai'ians,  to  receive  in  the  books  that  were  some  time  since 
sent  us  by  Mr.  Thomas  Hollis,  and  lend  out  the  said  books  to  such 
ministers  as  stand  in  need  of  them,  for  such  length  of  time  as  the 
librarians  shall  judge  proper  and  convenient;  and  that  the  minister 
or  elder  in  every  congregation  should  inquire  for  said  books,  and 
either  transmit  the  books  or  receipts  to  the  librarians  at  or  before 
the  next  Association. 

Query  from  Oyster  Bay : 

1.  "Whether  it  be  entirely  proper  to  call  the  Scriptures  the  rule, 
and  the  Spirit  the  guide  ? 

Resolved :  The  Holy  Scriptures  we  profess  to  be  our  full,  sufficient, 
and  only  rule  of  faith  and  obedience,  and  caution  all  to  beware  of 
every  impulse,  revelation,  or  any  other  imagination  whatever,  incon- 
sistent with,  or  contrary  to,  the  holy  Scriptures,  under  the  pretence 
of  being  guided  by  the  Spirit.  The  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  illu- 
minates the  understanding  to  know  the  mind  of  God,  contained  in 
the  Scriptures,  and  may  properly  be  called  a  guide. 

2.  Whether  it  is  right  to  alter  the  expression  in  the  answer  to  the 
tenth  question  in  our  catechism,  concerning  God's  fore-ordination, 
and  read  "whatsoever  he  hringeth  to  pass,"  instead  of  "whatsover 
comes  to  pass." 

Resolved  :  God  worketh  all  things  after  the  council  of  his  own  will, 
Whatsoever  comes  to  pass  is  either  by  his  agency  or  permission  ;  and, 
though  he  permit  sin  to  be,  is  not,  therefore,  the  author  of  it ;  nei- 
ther is  the  said  answer  in  the  catechism  expressive  or  productive  of 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  83 

the  inference  and  conclusions  the  adversaries  of  God's  sovereignty 
would  fain  charge  upon  it. 

Agreed,  to  continue  our  quarterly  fast  days,  as  usual,  through  our 
churches  ;  the  first  to  be  on  the  Thursday  after  the  fourth  Lord's 
day  in  October,  and  so  on  Thursday  after  the  fourth  Lord's  day 
every  third  month. 

Agreed,  that  our  Reverend  brethren,  Mr.  Morgan  Edwards 
and  INIr.  Peter  Peterson  Yanhorn,  are  appointed  to  revive  and  main- 
tain an  annual  correspondence  with  the  board  of  Baptist  ministers 
at  London,  or  elsewhere. — Every  church  should  transmit  an  account 
of  the  number  of  members  in  each,  to  the  above  said  brethren  as 
soon  as  possible. 

Agreed,  that  every  church  should  send  in  an  account  to  Mr.  Ed- 
wards, at  Philadelphia,  what  number  of  catechisms  each  are  willing 
to  take,  in  order  to  know  whether  there  will  be  proper  encouragement 
to  have  them  reprinted. 

Concluded,  that  Brother  Benjamin  GrifBth  is  to  preach  the  sermon 
next  year ;  and,  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  Morgan  Edwards ;  the 
subject — Doctrine  of  the  Trinity.  The  Association  to  begin  on  Tues- 
day after  the  second  Lord's  day  in  October,  at  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  Association  letter  was  written  by  the  Bev.  Peter  Peterson 
Vanhorn,  as  follows : 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS. 

"  The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  congregations  in  Penn- 
sylvania, the  Jerseys,  and  provinces  adjacent,  baptized  on  profession 
of  faith,  met  in  Association  the  13th,  14th,  and  15th  days  of  Octo- 
ber, 1761,  at  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

"  Send  Christian  salutation. 

"  Dearly  beloved  in  our  Lord  Jesus,  the  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep, 
your  delegates  met  at  the  time  appointed,  and  were  agreeably  enter- 
tained with  a  discourse,  fixed  upon  last  year,  from  John  xvii.  17, 
"Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth,  thy  word  is  truth."  We  trust  that 
your  fervent  prayers  to  God  for  us  have  prevailed,  seeing  we  met  in 
gospel  fellowship,  and  have  been  enabled  to  preserve  unanimity  in 
all  our  consultations  and  conclusions.  By  letters  from  our  churches, 
we  had  the  pleasure  and  satisfaction  to  hear  that  peace  and  concord 
abounds,  and  considerable  additions  have  been  made  in  divers  places. 
All  glory  to  our  God.  And  now,  dear  brethren,  about  to  part  from 
each  other,  we  desire,  in  some  measure,  to  answer  your  expectation. 
Suffer  us  to  lay  before  you,  for  your  observation,  these  few  following 
necessary  things. 

"  1st.  Be  much  in  the  reading  and  study  of  the  holy  Scriptures, 
seeing  the  Apostle  informs  us  they  are  able  to  make  us  wise  to  sal- 
vation, through  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

"  2d.  Be  much  and  often  at  the  throne  of  grace,  in  prayer  to  God, 
seeing  our  blessed  Lord  has  taught  us  that  men  ought  always  pray, 
and  not  faint,  with  this  annexed  encouragement,  that  he  will  avenge 
his  own  elect  that  cry  day  and  night  unto  him. 


84  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

"  Sd.  Be  careful  of  attending  constantly  with  improvement  upon  the 
public  worship  of  God,  in  the  beauties  of  holiness. 

"  4th.  Be  careful  of  the  instruction  of  youth,  and  those  under  your 
care  ;  and  ward  against  introducing  such  books  among  them  as  will 
have  a  tendency  to  corrupt  their  minds  and  have  an  evil  influence 
on  their  manners. 

"  5th.  For  the  cure  of  the  common  complaint  of  leanness,  coldness, 
deadness  in  religion,  make  use  of  Christ  in  all  his  oflBces,  titles, 
and  relations,  in  whom  are  reposited  all  needful  supplies.  Strengthen 
and  encourage  the  hands  of  your  ministers,  who  watch  for  your  souls 
as  they  that  must  give  an  account  to  God.  Let  your  conversation 
be  as  becometh  the  gospel  of  Christ.  And  the  very  God  of  peace, 
who  brought  again  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead,  comfort, 
strengthen,  and  establish  you  in  all  things.  So  pray  your  brethren 
in  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the  gospel.     Amen. 

"Benjamin  Miller,  Moderator. 
"  Abel  Morgan,  John  Thomas,  "VVm.  Marshall, 

Morgan  Edwards,  Joshua  Jones,  Daniel  Smith, 

David  Davis,  Robert  Celsy,  Samuel  Dodge, 

John  Davis,  Abel  Griffith,  Benjamin  Stelle, 

Isaac  Eaton,  Samuel  Waldo,  Randel  Dx*ake, 

Samuel  Heaton,  Joseph  Heart,  .Jonas  Goble, 

Wm.  Davis,  Steven  Watts,  Wm.  Folwell, 

Thomas  Davis,  Simon  Butler,  Isaac  James, 

Thomas  Jones,  John  Stites,  Edmund  Cosby, 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn,        Isaac  Jones,  Joshua  More.*' 

Henry  Crosley,  Samuel  Bui'colo, 

COPY  or  A  LETTER  SENT  TO  THE  BOAED  OF  MINISTERS  IN  LONDON, 
BY  ORDER  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION. 

"  The  Association  of  Particular  Baptist  Churches  annually  held  at 
Philadelphia,  to  the  Board  of  Particular  Baptist  Ministers  in  London : 

"  Reverend  brethren, — We  greet  you  well :  and,  as  a  part  of  that 
community,  in  the  British  dominions,  (whereof  you  have  in  some 
sort  the  superintendence,)  we  ofl'er  you  our  acquaintance ;  and  solicit 
a  share  of  your  public  care  and  friendship.  Our  numbers  in  these 
parts  multiply;  for  when  we  had  the  pleasure  of  writing  to  you, 
in  1734,  there  were  but  nine  churches  in  our  Association,  yet  now 
there  are  twenty-eight,  all  owning  the  Confession  of  faith  put  forth 
in  London,  in  1689.  Some  of  the  churches  are  now  destitute ;  but 
we  have  a  prospect  of  supplies,  partly  by  means  of  a  Baptist  academy 
lately  set  up.  This  infant  seminary  of  learning  is  yet  weak,  having 
no  more  than  twenty-four  pounds  a  year  towards  its  support.  Should 
it  be  in  your  power  to  favor  this  school  any  way,  we  presume  you 
will  be  pleased  to  know  how  ?  A  few  books  proper  for  such  a  school, 
or  a  small  apparatus,  or  some  pieces  of  apparatus,  are  more  imme- 
diately wanted,  and  not  to  be  had  easily  in  these  parts.  We  have 
also,  of  late,  endeavored  to  form  a  library  at  Philadelphia,  for  the 
use  of  our  brethren  in  the  ministry,  who  are  not  able  to  purchase 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


85 


books.     This  design  also  wants  the  assistance  of  our  brethren  in 
England. 

"  However,  our  design  in  writing  to  you  in  this  public  manner  is, 
to  renew  a  correspondence  which  hath  been  dropped  for  some  years 
past ;  and  if  you  think  well  of  it,  we  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you 
against  our  next  Association  in  October.  You  may  direct  to  our 
brother  Morgan  Edwards,  at  Philadelphia. 

"  We  commend  you  to  the  grace  of  God,  and  desire  your  prayers 
for  us,  and  remain  your  brethren  in  the  faith. 

"  Signed,  by  order  of  the  Association, 

"  Peter  Peterson  Vanhorn, 
Morgan  Edwards." 

Philadelphia,  May  16,  1762. 


THE  STATE  OF  THE  CHUKCHES  FOR  THE  YEAR. 

[The  Present  State  of  the  twenty-nine  Churches,  whose  Messengers  annually 
meet  in  Association,  at  Philadelphia,  from  the  Provinces  of  Pennsylvania,  Jersey, 
Virginia,  Maryland,  New  England,  and  New  York :  collected  partly  from  their 
Letters  to  the  Association,  and  partly  from  private  information  in  the  year,  17G1  : 
By  Morgan  Edwards.] 


TJ 

"S 

i 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS. 

•a 
3 

"i 

a 

h 

n 
3 

0 

a 

1 

« 

Pennepek, 

Peter  Peterson  Vanhorn, 

3 

50 

300 

Welsh  Tract, 

David  Davies," 

5 

0 

2 

95 

300 

Great  Valley, 

John  Davies, 

7 

0 

0 

110 

200 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

0 

2 

1 

25 

150 

Montgomery, 

Benjamin  Griffiths, 

3 

0 

1 

90 

150 

Southampton, 

Thomas  Davies, 

0 

0 

4 

41 

200 

Philadelphia, 

Morgan  Edwards, 

24 

0 

3 

82 

700 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  John, 

1 

0 

1 

50 

200 

Tulpohokin, 

Thomas  Jones, 

1 

0 

0 

27 

100 

Bethlehem, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

IMiddletown, 

Abel  Morgan, 

14 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Piseataqua, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Cohansie, 

Robert  Kelsay, 

5 

0 

2 

104 

600 

Cape  May, 

0 

0 

3 

60 

300 

Hopewell, 

Isaac  Eaton,  A.  M., 

0 

0 

0 

94 

400 

Cranbury, 

2 

0 

0 

36 

150 

Scotch  Plain, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

14 

2 

4 

134 

800 

Morristown, 

1 

0 

3 

22 

0 

Rocksberry, 

Henry  Crosley, 

6 

0 

2 

32 

0 

Kingwood, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Newtown, 

William  Marsh, 

0 

0 

1 

19 

0 

Salem, 

John  Sutton, 

0 

0 

2 

22 

150 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Heaton, 

12 

0 

0 

20 

100 

Ketockton, 

John  Marks, 

0 

0 

0 

31 

0 

Opekon, 

John  Garret, 

7 

0 

1 

57 

250 

Oyster  Bay, 

David  Sutton, 

2 

0 

0 

14 

70 

Bateman's  Precincts, 

Samuel  Waldo, 

18 

0 

0 

52 

400 

Horse  Neck, 

0 

0 

0 

7 

150 

Baltimore, 

John  Davies, 

0 

0 

0 

44 

300 
5970 

126 

4 

33 

4018 

86  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

1762. 

The  Association  met  this  year,  October  12th,  and  sat  to  the  14th. 
There  were  messengers  or  letters  from  eighteen  churches.  The  other 
eleven  we  heard  nothing  of.  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards  was  moderator, 
and  Rev.  Abel  Morgan,  clerk.  They  met  at  the  Lutheran  church,  in 
Fifth  street,  between  Arch  street  and  Race  street,  where  the  sound 
of  the  organ  was  heard  in  the  Baptist  worship.  The  business  done 
was  as  followeth : 

1.  A  church  constituted  August  6, 1756,  at  Smith  Creek,  a  branch 
of  North  Shannandoah,  in  the  province  of  Virginia,  was  received  into 
the  Association  the  first  day  of  meeting. 

The  first,  and  present  minister  of  this  church,  is  the  Rev.  John 
Alderson.  The  original  constituents  were  but  eleven,  now  they  are 
thirty,  including  the  eight  that  were  baptized  this  year.  One  died 
since  the  constitution. 

2.  Certificates  of  the  ordination  and  good  morals  of  Rev.  David 
Thomas  and  Rev.  David  Sutton,  were  drawn  up  by  Rev.  Samuel 
Jones  and  Isaac  Jones,  Esq.,  and  the  city  seal  affixed  thereto  by  the 
Recorder,  Benjamin  Chew,  Esq.,  for  which  he  took  no  fees. 

Here  follows  a  copy  thereof: 

CERTIFICATE. 

"  The  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  congrega- 
tions in  Pennsylvania  and  adjacent  provinces,  met  in  annual  Associa- 
tion at  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  October  12,  1762. 

"To  all  Christian  people,  to  whom  these  presents  may  come,  send 
greeting. 

"  This  certifies  that  the  bearer  hereof,  Rev.  David  Thomas,  late 
of  Chester  county,  in  the  province  of  Pennsylvania,  but  now  residing 
and  dwelling  in  Farquair  county,  in  the  province  of  Virginia,  was, 
(after  due  examination,  whereby  he  appeared  to  have  a  competent 
share  of  learning  and  other  prerequisites  to  the  sacred  ofiice,)  ad- 
mitted into  holy  orders,  according  to  the  known  and  approved  rites 
of  the  Baptist  church,  whereby  he  is  authorized  to  preach  the  gospel, 
and  administer  the  ordinances  thereof.  And  also  certifies,  that 
at  all  times,  before  and  after  his  ordination,  (for  any  thing  known, 
heard,  or  believed  to  the  contrary,)  he  lived  a  holy  and  unblemished 
life.  And  we  do  hereby  recommend  him  as  such  to  the  notice,  esteem, 
and  regard  of  all  Christians  where  he  now  does,  or  hereafter  may, 
reside. 

"  Signed  by  order  of  the  Association,  October  13,  1762,  by  their 
moderator, 

"  Morgan  Edwards,  A.  M." 

"  I,  Benjamin  Chew,  Esq.,  Recorder  of  the  city  of  Phildelphia, 
do  hereby  certify  that  the  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  A.  M.,  who  hath 
signed  the  above  certificate  is  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  this 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  87 

city  of  Philadelphia,  and  moderator  of  the  above  Association,  and 
that  he  is  a  gentleman  of  most  exemplary  morals  and  piety. 

In  testimony  of  which  I  have  hereunto  caused  the  seal  of  this  said 
city  to  be  affixed  this  15th  day  of  October,  A.  D.,  1762. 

Benjamin  Chew,  Kecorder. 

3.  Agreed,  to  continue  our  quarterly  fasts  throughout  our  churches 
as  heretofore  on  Thursday  in  each  quarter  month :  the  first  to  be  on 
Thursday  after  the  fourth  Lord's  day,  in  October. 

4.  Agreed,  that  the  subject  of  the  next  Association  sermon  be  the 
State  of  Man  before  and  after  the  Fall:  to  be  preached  by  Brother 
Morgan  Edwards ;  in  case  of  his  failure,  by  Brother  David  Davis. 

5.  Agreed,  that  Brother  Samuel  Jones,  A.  B.,  should  draw  out 
the  Association  Letter  to  the  churches.  A  copy  of  which  here  follows : 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS. 

"  The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  baptized  congregations 
in  Pennsylvania  and  provinces  adjacent,  met  in  Association  at  Phila- 
delphia, the  12th,  13th,  and  14th  of  October,  A.  D.  1762. 

"  To  the  several  churches  we  represent,  do  send  our  Christian 
salutation. 

"  Dearly  beloved  brethren, — We  have  the  pleasure,  at  the  close  of 
this  opportunity,  of  ti'ansmitting  to  you  an  account  of  our  meeting 
together,  according  to  appointment :  a  spirit  of  calmness  and  delibe- 
ration breathed  in  our  consultations,  and  peaceful  unanimity  in  our 
determinations.     Glory  be  to  God  for  this  grace. 

"  Of  twenty-nine  churches  belonging  to  this  Association,  eighteen 
met,  by  their  delegates  or  letters,  this  year  ;  and  we  hope,  brethren, 
the  same  zeal  which  induced  you  to  meet  us  at  this  time,  will  not 
suffer  you  ever  to  neglect  corresponding  with  us  in  this  manner ;  nor 
yet  those  who  have  been  now  wanting  herein,  to  continue  negligent  of 
this  invaluable  privilege.  By  reading  your  letters,  we  learn  that 
seventy- eight  persons  have  been  added  to  our  number  by  baptism, 
this  last  year ;  sixteen  have  been  removed  by  death  and  excommu- 
nication. 

"  And  now,  brethren,  suffer  the  word  of  exhortation  in  love.  Be 
desirous  of  excelling  in  vital  piety,  and  labor  to  adorn  the  holy  and 
great  profession  you  have  made,  of  being  the  disciples  of  Jesus  and 
the  adopted  children  of  God.  Neglect  not  the  assembling  yourselves 
together.  Be  doers  as  well  as  hearers  of  the  word.  Be  mindful  to 
maintain  family  worship,  and  to  imljue  the  minds  of  those  committed 
to  your  care  with  the  savor  of  religion.  Strengthen  the  hands  of 
your  ministers,  and  be  liberal  of  your  ministerial  gifts  to  vacant 
places.  Banish  every  thing  low,  and  sordid  conduct,  the  native  pro- 
duct of  grovelling  minds,  as  being  unworthy  of  the  noble  character 
of  a  Christian.  Let  a  public  spirit  of  benevolence  and  liberality  be 
diffused  among  you.  Be  more  ambitious  of  advancing  the  interest 
of  the  church  of  Christ,  than  of  adding  field  to  field,  and  becoming 
rich  at  the  expense  of  religion. 

"  Finally,  beloved  brethren,  we  recommend  you  to  the  Lord,  the 


88 


MIXUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATIOX. 


adorable  head  of  the  church,  who  is  able  to  perfect  you  In  every 
grace  and  virtue,  and  to  conduct  you  to  his  heavenly  kingdom,  where 
we  hope  to  join  with  you  and  the  thousands  of  his  saints,  to  give 
blessing  and  honor,  and  glory  and  power  unto  him  that  sitteth  on 
the  throne,  and  the  Lamb,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

"  Morgan  Edwards,  Moderator. 


Recompense  Stanbury,'William  Connor, 


Septimus  Levering, 

John  Garrett, 

Thos.  Dungan, 

Walter  Shewell, 

Benj.  Griffith, 

John  Davis, 

Abel  Morgan, 

Thos.  Jones, 

6.  Agreed  that  the  Association  shall  begin,  next  year,  the  Tues- 
day after  the  second  Lord's  day  in  October :  the  sermon  to  begin  at 
3  o'clock,  p.  M. 


William  Marshall, 
Alexander  Edwards, 
J.  J.  Jones, 
Barnaby  Barnes, 
Wm.  Rigden, 
George  George, 
David  Cornogg, 
H.  Watts, 


John  Thomas, 
Benj.  Miller, 
Robert  Kilsay, 
John  Davis, 
John  Alderson, 
Abel  Griffith, 
Joshua  Jones, 
Samuel  Jones. 


STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DUEIXG  THE  TEAR 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS. 

■3 

1 

i 

s 

a 

§* 

p 

X 

s 

Pennepek, 

0 

0 

0 

52 

Middletown, 

Abel  Morgan, 

8 

0 

0 

134 

Piscataqua, ' 

Isaac  Stelle, 

1 

1 

0 

41 

Cohansie, 

Robert  Kelsay, 

2 

2 

0 

104 

Welsh  Tract, 

David  Davis, 

0 

0 

0 

95, 

Great  Valley, 

John  Davis, 

1 

0 

1 

no! 

Cape  May, 

0 

4 

0 

56 

Hopewell, 

Isaac  Eaton,  A.  M., 

1 

0 

0 

95 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

2 

0 

0 

27 

Montgomery, 

Benjamin  Griffiths, 

4 

1 

1 

92 

Tulpehokin, 

Thomas  Jones, 

3 

1 

0 

29 

Kingwood, 

1 

0 

0 

41 

Cranberry, 

0 

0 

0 

41 

Southampton, 

Thomas  Davis, 

15 

3 

2 

51 

Philadelphia, 

Morgan  Edwards,  A.  M., 

17 

2 

i 

116 

Horseneek, 

0 

0 

7 

Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

0 

0 

9 

144 

Oyster  Bay, 

0 

0 

0 

14 

Morristown, 

2 

0 

0 

24 

Rocksberry, 

Henry  Crosley, 

6 

2 

0 

32 

Ketokton, 

John  Marks, 

0 

0 

0 

31 

Opekon, 

John  Garret, 

7 

1 

0 

57 

New  Britain, 

"William  Davis, 

1 

0 

0 

51 

Salem, 

0 

0 

0 

22 

Baltimore, 

John  Davis, 

12 

1 

1 

48 

Newtown, ' 

William  Marsh, 

0 

1 

0 

0 

Batemaa's  Precincts, 

Samuel  Waldo, 

31 

1 

3 

81 

Smith's  Creek, 

John  Alderson, 

8 

1 

0 

30 

Dividing  Creek,' 

Samuel  Heaton, 

o 
o 

0 

0 

23 

New  York, 

John  Gano, 

7 
132 

0 

0 

27 

21 

11 

1585 

MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  89 

1763. 

The  Association  met  this  year,  October  11th  and  sat  till  the  13th. 
Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  A.  M.,  was  chosen  moderator ;  Rev.  Isaac  Stelle, 
clerk.  After  hearing  a  sermon  on  the  State  of  Man  before  and  after 
the  fall,  preached  by  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  A.  M.,  from  Eccl.  vii. 
29,  they  proceeded  to  business. 

There  were  present,  messengers  and  letters  from  twenty  churches ; 
the  other  ten  neglected  both.    The  messengers'  names  follow : 

31inisters, — Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  Peter  Peterson  Vanhorn, 
Samuel  Jones,  John  Davis,  Benjamin  Griffith,  John  Thomas,  Joshua 
Jones,  Joseph  Thomas,  Benjamin  Miller,  Isaac  Stelle,  John  Davis, 
David  Sutton,  David  Jones,  Isaac  Eaton,  Abel  Griffith,  Samuel 
Ileaton,  Robert  Kelsay,  John  Gano,  John  Blackwell. 

Laymen, —  Messrs.  Joshua  Moore,  Samuel  Davis,  Septimus  Lever- 
ing, George  Westcott,  Samuel  Miles,  Joseph  Watkins,  Henry  Wood- 
row,  Andrew  Edge,  William  Mashal,  Alexander  Edwards,  Isaac 
Lewis,  William  Buchamham,  Joseph  Hart,  Samson  Davis,  Daniel  Cor- 
nock,  Thomas  Sears,  Daniel  Drake,  James  Groven,  Joseph  Taylor, 
Richard  Allison,  John  Manners,  Jeffrey  Bentley,  Edward  Busse, 
William  Lock,  David  Shepherd,  John  Carman,  Francis  Van  Dyke. 

Adjourned  till  to-moroAV  nine  o'clock,  A.  M. 

October  12.  The  Association  met  at  the  appointed  time,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  business. 

1.  A  church  at  New  York,  minister,  Rev.  John  Gano,  was  received 
into  the  Association.  This  church  was  constituted  June  19,  1762. 
The  number  of  constituents  were  twenty-seven,  and  these  chiefly 
members  of  the  Scotch  Plains.     Now  the  number  is  forty-three. 

2.  At  the  request  of  the  church  of  Salem,  we  have  found  them 
a  supply  for  this  year,  who  is  the  Rev.  John  Blackwell. 

3.  At  a  request  of  the  church  of  Morristown,  we  appointed  them 
a  supply  once  a  month  the  ensuing  year. 

4.  A  question  was  moved  by  the  church  of  the  Great  Valley  to  this 
effect :  Whether  it  be  the  prerogative  of  a  church  to  receive  ap- 
plications for  baptism,  examine  the  candidates,  and  to  judge  of  their 
qualifications  for  baptism  ?  or  whether  these  be  the  distinct  and  pe- 
culiar prerogatives  of  the  ministers,  exclusive  of  the  laity  ? 

The  occasion  of  this  question  was  the  opinion  and  practice  of  the 
church  of  Philadelphia,  who  by  a  general  vote  have  allowed  the 
said  prerogatives  to  belong  to  the  minister,  by  the  tenor  of  the 
commission  relative  to  baptism,  and  the  universal  practice  of 
the  commissioners  ;  and  that  there  is  neither  precept  nor  pre- 
cedent for  the  contrary  in  scripture.  All  allowed  that  this  may  be, 
and  in  some  cases  must  be;  but  that  the  other  practice  was  more 
expedient.  However,  none  pretended  to  say  it  was  warranted  by 
scripture.  The  question  was  put, — Whether  the  point  was  a  term  of 
communion  ?  and  whether  it  should  be  debated,  or  dropped  ?  None 
stood  up  for  either.     So  that  it  was  dropped. 

5.  In  the  letter  of  Cohansie  it  was  queried :  Whether  it  be  best  to 

12 


90  MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

excommunicate  delinquents  before  the  churcli  only,  or  publicly  before 
the  congregation  ? 

Answered :  If  the  offence  be  public,  the  cutting  off  should  be  so 
too ;  if  private,  it  should  be  as  private  as  may  be. 

6.  Agreed,  that  the  Association  next  year  be  held  on  the  Tuesday 
after  the  second  Lord's  day  in  October.  The  sermon  to  be  preached 
by  Rev.  John  Gano ;  and  in  case  of  failure,  by  Rev.  Samuel  Jones. 
The  subject  to  be,  The  Recovery  of  Man. 

7.  Rev.  Isaac  Stelle  drew  the  Association  letter,  which  is  as  follows: 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS, 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  congregations  in 
Pennsylvania  and  provinces  adjacent,  now  met  in  general  Associa- 
tion at  Philadelphia,  the  11th,  12th,  and  13th  October,  1763. 

To  the  several  churches  we  represent,  send  Christian  salutation. 

Dearly  beloved  brethren, — We  have  the  satisfaction  to  acquaint 
you  of  our  meeting  together,  according  to  appointment.  A  good 
measure  of  brotherly  love  has  subsisted  among  us,  during  the  time  of 
our  consultation.  Thanks  be  to  the  Lord,  who  is  wisdom  and  council 
to  his  people. 

We  rejoice  at  the  agreeable  account  from  you  ;  for  we  learn  by  the 
messengers  and  letters,  that  you  are  at  peace  and  unanimity  among 
yourselves.  We  find  there  is  an  addition  to  our  churches  of  eighty- 
one  members  this  year  more  than  last ;  which  is  great  cause  of 
thankfulness  to  God,  and  encouragement  to  us  all.  May  fervent  zeal 
for  the  cause  and  interest  of  our  dear  Redeemer  ever  animate  our  souls. 

And  now,  brethren,  receive  a  word  of  exhortation  in  love.  Strive  to 
abound  in  vital  piety ;  see  that  you  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  where- 
with you  are  called.  Be  careful  to  maintain  a  steady  course  of  cheer- 
ful obedience  to  God  all  the  days  of  your  life.  Neglect  not  prayer, 
neither  family  nor  closet.  Strengthen  the  hands  of  your  ministers, 
and  encourage  their  visits  to  vacant  places.  Delight  yourselves  in  the 
word,  worship  and  ordinances  of  God.  Make  the  sacred  oracles  the 
rule  of  all  your  actions.  Learn,  by  Christ's  sermon  on  the  mount, 
to  forgive  your  enemies ;  strive  to  live  peaceably  with  all  men. 

May  you  ever  be  able  to  walk  together  in  the  unity  of  the  spirit 
and  bond  of  peace,  provoking  one  another  to  love  and  good  works : 
and  that  being  by  promise  united  to  an  inheritance  among  them  that 
are  sanctified,  you  may  at  last  hear  the  voice  of  the  heavenly  bride- 
groom say  unto  you.  Come  up  hither ;  which,  may  God  of  his  infi- 
nite mercy  grant  for  Jesus  sake.  Amen. 

Isaac  Eaton,  Moderator. 

David  Sutton,  Joseph  Hart,  Isaac  Stelle, 

Samuel  Jones,  James  Grover,  Robert  Kelsay, 

Benjamin  Miller,  Daniel  Drake,  Samuel  Heaton, 

Joseph  Thomas,  John  Carman,  John  Thomas, 

John  Blackwell,  Morgan  Edwards,  John  Gano, 

Wm.  Marshal,  Benjamin  Griffith,  Abel  Griffith. 

John  Manners,  John  Davis, 


MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


91 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS. 

■3 
1 

■a 

i 

i 
i 

e3 

^ 

m 

g 

Pennepek, 

Samuel  Jones,  A.  B., 

6 

0 

0 

58 

Middletown, 

Abel  Morgan, 

16 

1 

0 

49 

Piseataqua, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

2 

0 

0 

43 

Coha.nsie, 

Robert  Kelsay, 

0 

1 

1 

102 

Welsh  Tract, 

David  Davis, 

1 

0 

0 

96 

Great  Valley, 

John  Davis, 

1 

2 

0 

109 

Cape  May, 

1 

0 

0 

57 

Hopewell, 

Isaac  Eaton,  A.  M., 

1 

1 

0 

96 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

4 

0 

0 

31 

Montgomery, 

Benjamin  Griffiths, 

4 

3 

0 

93 

Tulpehokin, 

Thomas  Jones, 

0 

0 

0 

29 

Kingwood, 

David  Sutton, 

5 

0 

0 

48 

Cranberry, 

0 

0 

0 

30 

Southampton, 

Samuel  Jones,  A.  B. 

o 

1 

1 

52 

Philadelphia, 

Morgan  Edwards,  A.  M., 

21 

5 

0 

132 

Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

12 

1 

2 

144 

Horse  Neck, 

0 

0 

0 

1 

Oyster  Bay, 

0 

0 

0 

14 

Ketokton, 

John  Marks, 

0 

0 

1 

30 

Morristown, 

0 

2 

0 

22 

Opekon, 

John  Garret, 

0 

0 

0 

63 

Rocksberry, 

Henry  Crosley, 

0 

0 

0 

36 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 

4 

1 

0 

54 

Salem, 

John  Blackwell, 

1 

0 

0 

23 

Baltimore, 

John  Davis, 

6 

1 

0 

56 

Smith's  Creek, 

John  Alderson, 

0 

0 

0 

■30 

Newtown, 

William  Marsh, 

0 

0 

0 

27 

Bateman's  Precincts, 

Samuel  Waldo, 

2 

0 

1 

84 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Ileaton, 

0 

0 

0 

23 

New  York, 

John  Gano, 

16 

1 

0 

43 

96 

20 

6 

1681 

1764. 

The  Association  met  this  year,  on  October  14th,  and  sat  to 
October  16th. 

The  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  John  Gano,  from  Eom.  xi.  7. 
The  moderator  was,  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton.  The  clerk,  Rev.  Abel  Mor- 
gan. There  were  present,  messengers  or  letters  from  twenty-five 
churches.     The  chief  business  was  as  followeth : 

1.  A  church  constituted  at  New  Mills,  Northampton  township, 
county^  of  Burlington,  and  province  of  New  Jersey,  was  received  into 
the  Association.  This  church  was  constituted  June  23,  1764.  The 
contituents  were  nine  in  number.  The  minister.  Rev.  Peter  Peterson 
Vanhorn. 

2.  Agreed,  to  inform  the  churches  to  which  we  respectively  belong, 
that,  inasmuch  as  a  charter  is  obtained  in  Rhode  Island  government, 
toward  erecting  a  Baptist  College,  the  churches  should  be  liberal  in 
contributing  towards  carrying  the  same  into  execution. 


92  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

3.  The  subject  for  the  next  Association  sermon  to  be  Effectual  Call- 
ing. The  preacher,  Samuel  Jones ;  in  case  of  failure,  Isaac  Stelle.  The 
Association  to  meet  next  year,  at  3  o'clock,  p.  m.,  on  Tuesday  after 
the  second  Sunday  in  October. 

PASTORAL  LETTER. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  churches  in 
Pennsylvania  and  provinces  adjacent,  met  in  general  Association,  at 
Philadelphia,  October  16,  1764. 

To  the  several  congregations  we  represent,  and  stand  related  to  in 
gospel  bonds,  grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  be  multiplied  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

Dear  brethren, — As  love  enters  deeply  into  the  spirit  and  genius 
of  our  holy  religion,  so  one  very  natural  and  important  expression  of 
it,  is,  the  friendly  association  of  churches  for  the  great  purposes  of  pro- 
moting the  gospel  of  God,  their  own  comfort  and  edification ;  being 
well  persuaded  that  this  was  the  principle,  and  these  the  views  which 
gave  rise  to  these  annual  meetings.  And,  as  we  trust,  we  are  influenced 
by  the  same  motives  which  inspired  the  breasts  of  our  respected  pre- 
decessors, so  we  are  not  without  hopes,  that  the  salutary  ends  pro- 
posed are,  at  least  in  some  degree,  answered.  Our  attempts,  how- 
ever, to  serve  the  cause  of  our  blessed  Lord  Jesus,  and  to  assist  your 
faith  and  joy,  will,  we  doubt  not,  meet  with  your  cordial  acceptance. 
Suffer  us,  then,  to  inform  you,  that  we  met  in  love  and  peace,  and 
were  agreeably  entertained  with  a  discourse  on  the  important 
subject  of  our  recovery  from  ruin,  by  the  mediation  of  the 
great  High  Priest  of  our  profession,  Christ  Jesus.  The  letters  from 
the  several  churches  brought  us  the  pleasing  news,  that  the  Lord  is 
carrying  on  his  work  with  power  in  sundry  places  ;  that  peace  and  con- 
cord abound  in  our  congregations,  blessed  be  his  holy  name.  Our 
consultations  have  been  loving  and  unanimous  through  the  whole. 
And  now  we  are  going  to  part,  suffer  the  word  of  exhortation.  Dear 
brethren,  be  careful  to  improve  the  favors  you  enjoy.  Let  the  sacred 
oracles  constantly  be  the  man  of  your  counsel.  Make  conscience  of 
the  duty  of  prayer  in  the  family.  Be  careful  of  the  education  of 
youth.  Bring  up  your  children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord.  Strengthen  and  encourage  your  ministers ;  be  ready  and 
willing  to  support  them  in  visiting  those  churches  that  are  destitute 
of  the  means  of  grace.  So  we  commit  you  to  God  and  the  word  of 
his  grace,  who  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling,  and  to  present  you 
faultless  before  the  throne  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy.  To  Him 
be  glory  in  the  churches,  now  and  forever.  Amen.  We  rest  your 
brethren  in  gospel  relation.  ' 

Signed  in  behalf  of  the  Association. 

Benjamin  Millek,  Moderator. 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


93 


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MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS. 

1 

'■5 

B 
8 

•3 

1 

S" 

X 

a; 

l2 

cq 

w 

■ft 

s 

Pennepek, 

Samuel  .Jones, 

2 

2 

0 

53 

Middletown 

Abel  Morgan, 

14 

0 

0 

160 

Piscataqua, 

Isaac  Stella, 

17 

1 

1 

58 

Cohansie, 

Robert  Kelsay, 

0 

2 

2 

100 

Welsh  Tract, 

David  Davis, 

1 

0 

0 

97 

Great  Valley, 

John  Davis, 

5 

8 

0 

106 

Cape  May, 

John  Sutton, 

0 

0 

0 

57 

Hopewell, 

Isaac  Eaton, 

13 

1 

0 

108 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

1 

2 

0 

30 

Montgomery, 

Benjamin  Griffiths, 

0 

0 

0 

93 

Tulpehokin, 

Thomas  -Jones, 

0 

1 

0 

28 

Kingwood, 

David  Sutton, 

5 

0 

0 

55 

Cranberry, 

4 

0 

0 

34 

Southampton, 

Samuel  .Jones, 

5 

1 

0 

56 

Philadelphia, 

Morgan  Edwards, 

6 

3 

0 

135 

Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

33 

1 

0 

158 

Horse  Neck, 

2 

0 

0 

7 

Oyster  Bay, 

2 

0 

0 

14 

Ketokton, 

John  Marks, 

9 

1 

0 

33 

Morristown, 

0 

0 

0 

31 

Opekon, 

John  Garret, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Rocksberry, 

Henry  Crosley, 

9 

0 

0 

45 

Baltimore, 

John  Davis, 

1 

0 

0 

66 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 

0 

1 

0 

53 

Salem, 

0 

0 

0 

23 

Smith's  Creek, 

John  Alderson, 

0 

0 

0 

36 

Newtown, 

0 

0 

0 

27 

Bateman's  Precincts, 

Samuel  Waldo, 

2 

0 

0 

88 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Heaton, 

0 

0 

0 

23 

New  York, 

John  Gano, 

13 

1 

0 

57 

Newmills, 

Peter  Peterson  Vanhom, 

10 

0 

0 

19 

1 

152 

25 

3 

1650 

Baptized  this  year  152,  which  is  40  more  than  were  baptized  last  year. 


1765. 

The  Association  met  at  Philadelphia  this  year,  October  15,  and 
sat  to  October  17.  Forty-four  messengers  present.  Letters  from 
the  churches  were  read. 

1.  Received  into  the  Association  a  church  at  Konoloway,  in  the 
township  of  Air,  Cumberland  county,  Pennsylvania.  It  was  con- 
stituted August  25,  1765.    The  number  of  constituents  six. 

2.  Agreed,  to  have  our  Confession  of  faith  reprinted  by  Morgan 
Edwards  and  Samuel  Jones :  the  churches  to  send  them  money  for 
the  number  they  want  before  the  first  of  December.  The  size  and 
character  to  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  said  persons. 

3.  Received,  Rev.  Noah  Hammond,  of  Long  Island,  New  York, 
in  unity  with  the  ministers,  by  giving  him  the  right  hand  of  fellow- 
ship in  behalf  of  the  Association.     And  ordered  Mr.  Gano  and  Mr. 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  95 

Jones  to  be  at  Coram,  township  of  Brookhaven,  on  Long  Island,  on 
November  1,  to  constitute  twenty-three  persons  there  into  a  church, 
and  to  acknowledge  them  as  a  sister  church  in  behalf  of  the 
Association. 

4.  Agreed,  that  the  minister  of  Philadelphia  shall  have  the  direc- 
tion of  the  meetings  at  the  Association,  and  the  nomination  of  the 
preachers,  that  they  may  have  proper  notice  of  the  same  beforehand. 

5.  Query,  from  Smith's  Creek :  Whether  it  be  proper  to  receive  a 
person  into  communion  who  had  been  baptized  by  immersion  by  a 
minister  of  the  church  of  England,  if  no  other  objection  could  be 
made  ?  Answer :  Yea,  if  he  had  been  baptized  on  a  profession  of 
faith  and  repentance. 

6.  Agreed,  that  the  churches  in  Virginia  have  our  leave  to  form 
themselves  into  an  Association,  provided  they  go  on  the  same  plan, 
and  hold  union  with  us. 

7.  The  Association  next  year  to  be  held  on  Tuesday  after  the 
second  Sunday  in  October.  The  sermon  to  be  preached  by  Isaac 
Stelle  ;  and  in  case  of  failure,  by  Peter  Peterson  Vanhorn.  Subject, 
the  Incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God. 

Here  follows  a  copy  of  the  Association  letter  to  the  churches, 
written  by  John  Sutton  : 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS. 

"  The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  churches  met,  according 
to  appointment,  at  Phildelphia,  October  15,  16,  17,  A.  D,,  1765. 

"  To  the  several  churches  to  whom  we  respectively  belong,  send  our 
Christian  salutation. 

"  Dearly  Beloved  in  our  blessed  Lord, — We  rejoiced  to  hear  from  you, 
and  the  more  so,  when  we  perceived  the  Lord  hath  graciously  visited 
a  number  of  you  with  a  day  of  his  power,  and  brought  many,  first 
to  give  themselves  to  Him  and  to  the  churches  according  to  his  will, 
by  which  our  number  is  increased  by  baptism  three  hundred  and  one, 
which  exceeds  the  last  year's  increase  by  one  hunred  and  forty-nine ; 
blessed  be  God  for  his  rich  grace.  We  have  had  a  good  measure  of 
peace,  unity,  and  consolation  in  all  our  affairs.  We  hope  the  success 
of  the  gospel  will  raise  in  your  hearts  gratitude  and  thankfulness  to 
God.  And  that  you  will  strive  with  us  in  your  prayers  to  God,  that 
he  will  carry  on  his  work  with  power,  not  only  among  his  churches, 
but  universally  throughout  the  whole  world.  And  to  that  end  we 
exhort  you,  with  ourselves,  to  walk  worthy  of  that  holy  religion  we 
profess.  Encourage  your  ministers  to  visit  the  destitute  churches. 
Give  them  all  the  assistance  in  so  arduous  a  work  that  your  circum- 
stances will  admit.  In  a  word,  as  ye  have  received  Christ  Jesus  the 
Lord,  so  walk  ye  in  him:  and  his  saving  grace,  and  the  love  of  God, 
and  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Ghost  be  with  you,  and  rest  upon  you 
both  now  and  forever.  Amen. 

"  Erom  your  brethren  in  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the  gospel. 
"  Signed  by  the  moderator, 

"Benjamin  Griffith. " 


96 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCUES. 

MINISTERS. 

s 

■6 

s 

8 

2 

a 

n 
2 

1 

5 

S 

Pennepek, 

Samuel  Jones, 

0 

1 

0 

54 

Middletown, 

Abel  Morgan, 

13 

0 

3 

0 

167 

Piscataqua, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

4 

0 

2 

0 

60 

Cohansie, 

Robert  Kelsay, 

21 

0 

2 

0 

119 

Welsh  Tract, 

David  Davis, 

6 

0 

0 

0 

103 

Great  Valley, 

John  Davis, 

1 

0 

2 

0 

103 

Cape  May, 

John  Sutton, 

2 

0 

1 

0 

58 

Hopewell, 

Isaac  Eaton, 

86 

1 

0 

0 

196 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

1 

0 

2 

0 

29 

Montgomery, 

Benjamin  Griffiths, 

2 

0 

3 

2 

90 

Tulpehokin, 

Thomas  Jones, 

0 

0 

0 

28 

Kingwood, 

David  Sutton, 

17 

0 

2 

0 

69 

Cranberry, 

7 

0 

0 

-0 

41 

Southampton, 

Samuel  Jones, 

1 

0 

0 

2 

55 

Philadelphia, 

Morgan  Edwards, 

5 

1 

3 

2 

137 

Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

25 

0 

2 

0 

149 

Horseneck, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

6 

Oyster  Bay, 

0 

1 

0 

0 

15 

Ketockton, 

John  Marks, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

33 

Morristown, 

24 

0 

0 

1 

53 

Opekon, 

John  Garret, 

2 

0 

1 

0 

70 

Rocksberry, 

Henry  Crosley, 

5 

0 

0 

0 

50 

Baltimore, 

John  Davis, 

11 

0 

0 

1 

76 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 

1 

0 

1 

0 

53 

Salem, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

23 

Smith's  Creek, 

John  Alderson, 

4 

0 

0 

0 

36 

Newtown, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Bateman's  Precincts, 

Samuel  Waldo, 

19 

1 

0 

0 

108 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Heaton, 

18 

0 

1 

0 

39 

New  York, 

John  Gano, 

20 

0 

0 

1 

77 

Newmills, 

P.  P.  Yanhorn, 

11 

0 

1 

0 

30 

Kenoloway, 

Joseph  Powell, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 

Coram, 

Noah  Hammond, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

23 

308 

4 

^ 

9 

2234 

1766. 

The  Association  met  at  Philadelphia,  on  Tuesday,  October  14th, 
A.  D.  1766,  at  3  o'clock,  p.  m.,  according  to  appointment,  and 
opened  with  a  sermon  from  John  i.  14,  preached  by  Rev.  Isaac 
Stelle.  After  sermon  the  messengers  came  together.  The  moderator 
for  last  year  resumed  his  seat ;  and,  after  prayer,  moved  for  choosing 
a  new  moderator  and  clerk.  The  choice  fell  on  Rev.  Benjamin 
Miller  and  Rev.  Samuel  Jones.  Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  next  day. 
Divine  service  in  the  evening. 

Wednesday,  15th.  The  Association  met  at  nine  in  the  morning. 
After  prayer,  the  list  of  messengers  was  called  over.  Each  answered 
to  his  name.     They  were — 

Ministers^ — Rev.  Benjamin  Miller,  Abel  Griffiths,  Joseph  Powell, 
Isaac  Stelle,  John  Blackwell,   David  Jones,  Joshuah  Jones,   John 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  97 

Davis,  Thomas  Davis,  John  Waltam,  Morgan  Edwards,  Samuel  Heaton, 
Benjamin  Griffiths,  John  Thomas,  Samuel  Jones,  John  Davis,  Noah 
Hammond,  David  Thomas. 

Laymen, — Messrs.  David  Powell,  Joseph  Merril,  Samuel  Dodge, 
Francis  Vandike,  Thomas  Farr,  Thomas  Cox,  David  Thomas,  John 
Crees,  Walter  Shewell,  George  George,  Josiah  Lewis,  Joseph  Grif- 
fiths, David  Eaton,  Isaac  Jones,  Samuel  Davis,  George  Wescott, 
Joseph  Shepherd,  David  Bowen,  Samuel  Meed,  Alexander  Edwards, 
John  Wright,  and  Arthur  Watts. 

Moved  and  agreed  to,  for  more  order  and  expedition  in  despatch- 
ing business :  1,  That  the  moderator,  shall,  for  the  future,  take  his 
seat  in  the  desk.  2,  That  every  one  who  speaketh  shall  stand  up, 
and  address  himself  to  the  moderator.  3,  That  none  shall  interrupt 
the  speaker  till  he  hath  done.  4,  That  no  matter  brought  on  shall 
be  laid  aside  till  finished,  except  postponing  it  be  agreed  to. 

Adjourned  to  three. 

The  Association  met  again  at  three.  After  prayer,  it  was  moved 
and  agreed:  That  it  is  most  necessary  for  the  good  of  the  Baptist 
interest,  that  the  Association  have  at  their  disposal  every  year  a 
sum  of  money.  Accordingly  it  was  further  agreed:  That  the 
churches,  henceforth,  do  make  a  collection  every  quarter,  and  send 
the  same  yearly  to  the  Association,  to  be  by  them  deposited  in  the 
hands  of  trustees  ;  the  interest  whereof  only  to  be  by  them  laid  out 
every  year  in  support  of  ministers  travelling  on  the  errand  of  the 
churches,  or  otherwise,  as  the  necessities  of  said  churches  shall 
require. 

Pursuant  to  a  petition  from  the  church  of  Konoloway,  it  was 
agreed  to  desire  the  churches  this  year  to  collect  money  for  their 
use,  and  send  the  same  to  the  next  Association,  to  be  by  them  laid 
out  so  as  to  be  of  perpetual  use  to  the  said  church. 

Moved  and  agreed  to  :  That  a  yearly  intercourse  between  the 
Associations  to  the  east  and  west  of  us  be,  by  letters  and  messen- 
gers, now  begun,  and  hereafter  maintained.  Accordingly,  Rev. 
Samuel  Jones  was  ordered  to  write  to  the  Association  to  be  held  at 
Warren,  the  Tuesday  before  the  second  Sunday  in  September ;  and 
Rev.  John  Gano,  Samuel  Jones,  and  Morgan  Edwards,  appointed  to 
meet  them  as  delegates  from  us.* 

The  Rev.  M.  Edwards  was  ordered  to  draw  a  letter  to  the  Asso- 
ciation, meeting  at  Mill  Creek,  in  Virginia,  the  Saturday  before  the 
third  Sunday  in  August ;  and  Rev.  Isaac  Stelle,  John  Davis,  and 
John  Blackwell  were  delegated  to  meet  them  as  our  messengers. 

As  some  tardiness  hath  been  observed  in  sending  messengers  and 
letters  to  the  Association,  and  in  the  attendance  which  the  messen- 
gers give  to  the  business  of  said  Association,  it  was  agreed  to  ad- 
monish the  tardy  churches,  and  hereby  they  are  admonished ;  it  was 
also  agreed  that  those  ministers  who  cannot  return  home  in  a  day 
shall  not  appoint  to  be  with  their  respective  churches  sooner  than 
the  second  Sunday  in  October,  and  that  they  make  no  appointments 
in  the  way  Avhich  will  require  them  to  leave  Philadelphia  sooner  than 

13 


98  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

is  consistent  with  doing  the  business  of  the  Association  deliberately 
and  wholly. 

Received  into  the  Association  a  church  at  Coram,  in  Long  Island, 
constituted  November  1,  1766 ;  also  the  church  of  Croswicks,  consti- 
tuted May  13,  1766. 

Ordered,  That  Abel  Griffiths  do  draw  up  an  Association  letter  to 
the  churches. 


PASTORAL  ADDRESS  * 

"  The  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  churches  in 
Pennsylvania,  the  Jerseys,  and  provinces  adjacent,  met  in  Association 
at  Philadelphia,  the  14th,  15th,  and  16th  of  October,  A.  D.  1766. 

"  To  the  several  churches  concerned,  wish  mercy  and  peace  may 
be  multiplied. 

"  Dear  brethren,  through  the  tender  mercy  of  God,  we  have  been 
preserved  to  see  the  time  of  our  annual  meetings,  and,  blessed  be  his 
name,  we  met  in  love,  and  preserved  harmony  and  affection  through 
the  whole  of  our  proceedings.  We  were  agreeably  entertained  with 
a  discourse  on  the  Incarnation  of  the  dear  Redeemer,  by  Reverend 
Isaac  Stelle.  The  discourse  met  with  good  acceptance.  Much  re- 
freshed were  we  also  by  reading  your  letters  ;  by  which  we  find  that 
our  churches  are  generally  at  peace  among  themselves ;  and  to  our 
great  joy,  find  the  Lord  is  still  giving  us  new  manifestations  of  his 
walking  in  the  midst  of  his  golden  candlesticks,  and  blessing  the 
word  by  making  it  powerful  to  bring  souls  to  the  obedience  of  faith, 
and  to  enlist  under  the  banner  of  the  King  of  Zion,  so  that  there 
have  been  added  to  our  churches  by  baptism,  since  last  Association, 
two  hundred  and  forty-nine.  There  still  remain  complaints,  from 
some  of  our  churches,  of  deadness,  which  may  the  Lord  remove,  to 
his  glory  and  the  joy  of  his  saints.  Thirty  of  our  members  have 
been  cut  off  by  death,  and  nine  excommunicated. 

"  Now,  dear  brethren,  before  we  dissolve  our  Association,  suffer  a 
word  of  exhortation.  Oh,  endeavor  to  walk  worthy  of  Christ,  and 
to  use  all  diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  election  sure,  that  the 
joy  thereof  may  excite  in  you  a  holy  resignation  to  the  will  of  God, 
and  a  holy  resolution  to  forsake  all  and  follow  Christ.  Be  diligent 
in  closet  and  family  prayer.  Be  earnest  for  your  households,  and 
the  land  in  general :  especially  for  the  welfare  of  Zion,  that  the 
Lord  may  make  her  a  praise  in  the  earth.  0  pray  for  your  minis- 
ters, that  the  Lord  will  make  them  successful  instruments  in  his 
hands  for  the  comfort  of  saints  and  the  conversion  of  sinners. 
Strengthen  their  hands,  and  be  willing  to  spare  them  at  seasons  to 
supply  the  needs  of  destitute  churches.  Encourage  men  of  promising 


*  Note. — The  above  is  the  earliest  nrinted  letter  I  have  found,  and  was  pro- 
bably published  by  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  at  his  own  expense,  and  for  his  con- 
venience ;  it  being  in  folio  size,  about  equal  to  the  newspapers  of  the  province 
of  that  early  date. — Ed. 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  99 

gifts  among  you.  Neglect  not  the  assembling  of  yourselves  together, 
but  value  your  place  in  the  house  of  God.  Endeavor  to  maintain 
gospel  order  in  the  churches.  Strive  against  temptations  and  every 
lust,  that  you  may  keep  your  garments  unspotted  with  the  flesh. 
Give  no  occasion  to  the  adversaries  to  blaspheme.  Stir  up  every 
spark  of  grace  in  your  souls  to  a  lively  exercise,  that  you  may  enjoy 
the  comforts  thereof  while  in  the  world.  And  contend  earnestly  for 
the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints.  Finally,  brethren,  "  whatso- 
ever things  are  true,  whatsoever  things  are  honest,  whatsoever  things 
are  pure,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely,  whatsoever  things  are  of  good 
report,  if  there  be  any  virtue,  if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on  these 
things." 

"  We  conclude,  with  wishing  you  all  grace  to  support  you,  and  the 
Spirit  of  God  to  direct  you  safe  through  this  vale  of  tears,  and  to 
bring  you  at  last  to  the  heavenly  Canaan. 

"  Benjamin  Miller,  Moderator. 
"  Samuel  Jones,  Clerk. 

Philadelphia,  October  16th,  1766. 

Adjourned.     Divine  service  in  the  evening. 

Thursday  16th. — It  was  queried.  Whether  a  complaint  from  any 
memfeer  of  the  associated  churches,  or  from  one  excommunicated, 
might  be  received  into  the  Association? 

Kesolved,  That  the  query  be  considered,  and  determined  next 
Association. 

Agreed,  to  recommend  warmly  to  our  churches  the  interest  of  the 
College,  for  which  a  subscription  is  opened  all  over  the  continent. 
This  college  hath  been  set  on  foot  upwards  of  a  year,  and  has  now 
in  it  three  promising  youths  under  the  tuition  of  President  Manning. 

Agreed,  that  next  Association  be  held  on  the  Tuesday  after  the 
second  Sunday  in  October,  to  begin  at  three  o'clock,  P.  m.  The  ser- 
mon by  Rev.  P.  P.  Vanhorn ;  and,  in  case  of  his  failure,  by  Rev. 
Benjamin  Miller.     The  subject  to  be,  "  Final  Perseverance." 

The  Association  broke  up.     Divine  service  in  the  evening. 


N.  B.  The  reason  why  the  number  of  members  in  every  church 
in  the  following  table,  does  not  answer  to  the  numbers  received  and 
lost  is,  that  some  transfer  their  memberships  from  one  church  to 
another. 


100 


MINUTES   OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

PASTORS. 

•a 

J 

t 

2 

i 

a 

g 

1 

1 

e3 

n 

1 

p 

X 

1 

0 

52 

126 

Pennepek, 
Middletown, 

Samuel  Jones, 
Abel  Morgan, 

0 
9 

0 
0 

1 

0 

Piscataqua, 
Cohansie, 

Isaac  Stelle, 
Robert  Kelsay, 

3 
13 

0 
0 

0 
5 

0 
0 

63 
131 

Welsh  Tract, 

David  Davis, 

4 

0 

2 

1 

104 

Great  Valley, 

■  John  Davis, 

0 

0 

2 

0 

101 

Cape  3Iay, 

John  Sutton. 

9 

0 

6 

0 

62 

Hopewell, 

Isaac  Eaton, 

20 

0 

2 

1 

211 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

29 

Montgomery, 
Tulpehokin, 

Benjamin  Griffiths, 
Thomas  Jones, 

0 
0 

0 
0 

2 
0 

0 
0 

88 
28 

Kingwood, 

David  Sutton, 

5 

0 

0 

0 

75 

Cranberry, 
Southampton, 

Samuel  Jones, 

30 
3 

0 
0 

0 

1 

0 
0 

71 
56 

Philadelphia, 

Morgan  Edwards, 

8 

0 

4 

0 

137 

Scots  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

10 

0 

1 

2 

156 

Horseneck, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

7 

Oyster  Bay, 
Morristown, 

John  AYaltam, 

0 
17 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

15 

70 

Rocksberry, 
Baltimore, 

Henry  Crosley, 
John  Davis, 

0 
13 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

50 
»   96 

Ne^Y  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

53 

Salem, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

23 

Xe-n-to-mi, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Bateman's  Precincts, 

Samuel  "Waldo, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

118 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Heaton, 

2 

0 

2 

0 

38 

New  York, 

John  Gano, 

37 

0 

0 

0 

117 

New  Mills, 

Peter  Peterson  Vanhorn, 

8 

0 

0 

0 

38 

Konoloway, 
Coram, 

Joseph  Powell, 
Noah  Hammond, 

11 
21 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

20 
44 

Crosswicks, 

David  Jones, 

5 

0 

0 

0 

48 

233 

0 

28 

5 

2253 

Increase  this  year  199. 

1767. 

This  year,  the  Association  met  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  13th  Octo- 
ber. It  was  opened  with  prayers,  and  a  sermon  on  Final  Perseverance, 
preached  by  Rev.  P.  P.  A''anhorn,  from  Heb.  x.  14.  After  the 
sermon  the  messengers  met,  and  when  prayer  was  over,  they  chose 
Rev.  Isaac  Eaton  to  be  moderator,  and  Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  secre- 
tary, and  read  the  letters.     The  messengers  were : 

Ministers, — Rev.  Robert  Kelsay,  Samuel  Heaton,  John  Blackwell, 
Isaac  Stelle,  P.  P.  Vanhorn,  David  Davis,  David  Sutton,  Abel  Grif- 
fiths, John  Davis,  Benjamin  Griffiths,  David  Thomas,  Joshua  Jones, 
Benjamin  Coles,  Joseph  Powell,  David  Jones,  John  Davis,  John 
Walton,  Samuel  Jones,  Abel  Morgan,  John  Sutton,  James  Manning, 
Isaac  Eaton. 


MINUTES   OJF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  101 

Laymen, — Messrs.  Philip  Shepherd,  David  Bowen,  Stephen  Bar- 
ton, Randal  Drake,  David  Evans,  Isaac  Light,  Jeffrey  Bentley, 
Nicholas  Haile,  Arthur  Chinworth,  John  Thomas,  William  Bennet, 
James  Davis,  Jacob  Covenhoven,  Walter  Shewell,  Thomas  John,  Wil- 
liam Tapscott,  Safely  M'Gee,  Samuel  John,  Alexander  Edwards, 
James  Dundan,  Daniel  Smith,  David  Dungan,  Isaac  Jones,  George 
Westcott,  Samuel  Davis,  Joseph  Moulder. 

The  meeting  concluded  with  prayer,  and  a  sermon  in  the  evening. 

Wednesday  morning,  14th.  The  Association  met,  according  to  ad- 
journment, and  after  prayer,  and  calling  the  messengers'  names,  pro- 
ceeded to  business. 

Received  the  contributions  of  the  following  churches  towards  an 
Association  fund. 

Philadelphia, 

Southampton, 

Pennepek, 

Great  Valley, 

Welsh  Tract, 

Cohansie, 

Kingwood, 

In  all  <£41  10s.  8d.,  which  was  deposited  in  the  hands  of  two 
brothers,  viz.,  George  Westcott  and  Alexander  Edwards,  Esqs. 

Resolved,  To  continue  a  collection  every  quarter  for  the  said 
fund. 

Received  contributions,  for  the  use  of  the  church  of  Konoloway, 
from  the  followinor  churches  : 


£ 

s. 

d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

16 

10 

Ah 

Hopewell, 

1 

13 

0 

4 

4 

Ah 

New  York, 

4 

11 

8 

2 

11 

10" 

Baltimore, 

1 

5 

8 

5 

0 

0 

Rev.  .John  Sutton, 

0 

7 

6 

3 

0 

4 

Rev.  Samuel  Jones. 

0 

10 

0 

1 

0 

0 

Mr.  JeflF.  Benchley, 

0 

5 

0 

0 

12 

0 

£ 

s. 

d. 

Montgiomery, 

2 

10 

0 

New  York, 

1 

17 

6i 

New  Britain, 

2 

5 

9 

Piscataqua, 

1 

8 

8 

£ 

5. 

d. 

Kingwood, 

1 

0 

0 

Southampton, 

1 

12 

0 

Pennepek, 

1 

12 

IJ 

In  all  XI 2  6s.  Id.,  which  was  then  delivered  to  the  messengers  of 
the  church  of  Konoloway,  they  rendering  the  Association  an  account 
of  the  disposal  thereof. 

Agreed,  That  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton  and  John  Hart,  Esq.,  executors  of 
Mrs.  Hubs,  will  be  allowed  to  pay  £14  towards  the  education  of 
Charles  Thompson,  out  of  the  interest  of  the  legacy  left  by  said 
Mrs.  Hubs  for  the  use  of  the  Association  in  Philadelphia. 
^  Agreed,  That  the  churches  be  requested  to  forward  the  subscrip- 
tion for  Rhode  Island  College. 

Agreed,  That  Philadelphia  be  supplied  according  to  the  course 
settled  last  year. 

The  following  query  was  left  on  the  book  last  year  for  considera- 
tion :  Whether  an  appeal  from  any  member  of  the  associated  churches, 
or  from  one  excommunicated  from  any  of  said  churches,  may  be 
made  to  the  Association  ? 

Resolved :  That  in  some  cases  they  may,  as  every  church  may 


102  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

sometimes  suspend  their  prerogatives,  of  which  every  church  is  to 
judge  for  itself. 

Query  from  Hopewell :  Whether  a  ruling  elder  is  to  be  ordained 
by  imposition  of  hands  ? 

Resolved :  To  leave  this  matter  to  the  discretion  of  the  churches. 

Query  from  Kingwood :  Whether  a  church  ought  to  suspend  or 
excommunicate  one  for  not  keeping  his  place  in  the  church,  on  ac- 
count of  his  not  approving  the  order  of  preaching  used  by  the  minister 
of  the  place  ? 

Resolved :  That  the  complaint  is  trivial,  nevertheless  that  forbear- 
ance should  be  used,  but  how  long,  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the 
church. 

In  answer  to  a  request  from  Cohansie,  it  was  agreed,  that  Rev. 
Messrs.  Miller,  Stelle,  and  Joshua  Jones,  do  pay  them  a  visit  to  settle 
their  difference. 

The  query  from  Cohansie  respected  a  person  who  had  married  his 
first  wife's  sister,  and  was  answered  thus :  The  case  is  doubtful. 

Ordered,  That  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Thomas,  David  Sutton,  and 
Joseph  Powell,  do  attend  the  new  Association  in  Virginia,  to  be  held 
on  Saturday  the  third  Sabbath  in  August,  as  messengers  from  us. 

Agreed,  That  the  Association  to  be  held  next  year,  at  Warren,  on 
Tuesday  after  the  first  Wednesday  in  September,  be  attended  by 
Rev.  Messrs.  Benjamin  Miller  and  Isaac  Stelle,  as  our  messengers. 

Agreed,  That  the  next  Association  be  held  on  Tuesday  after 
the  second  Sunday  in  October,  and  that  Rev.  Benjamin  Miller  do 
preach  ;  and  in  case  of  his  failure,  Rev.  John  Davis.  The  subject  to 
be  Imputed  Righteousness. 

Rev.  John  Sutton  to  write  to  the  Association  in  Virginia,  and 
Rev.  Samuel  Jones  to  the  Association  in  Warren  ;  Rev.  Isaac  Sutton 
to  write  the  circular  letter,  which  was  as  follows : 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS. 

"  To  the  several  churches,  we  send  loving  salutation. 

"  Dear  Brethren, — As  we  are  near  parting,  we  have  to  inform  you, 
that  we  met  in  love,  and  received  your  letters  and  messengers.  We 
find,  to  our  joy,  that  peace  generally  subsists  in  our  churches,  con- 
siderable increase  in  some  of  them.  We  received  comfortable  letters 
from  the  Associations  in  Virginia  and  Rhode  Island.  We  have 
cause  to  bless  God,  that  the  religion  of  Jesus  succeeds  any  where ; 
and  that  it  may  increase  and  abound,  permit  us,  to  exhort  and  en- 
treat you,  to  study  more  and  more  what  shall  be  done  to  promote  so 
valuable  an  interest.  Endeavor  to  keep  and  maintain  the  unity  of 
the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace  amongst  yourselves.  Attend  dili- 
gently to  all  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel.  Be  conscientious  in  dis- 
charging all  the  positive  and  relative  duties  of  Christianity.  Beware 
of  lukewarmness.  Be  diligent  in  a  holy  and  humble  walk  with  God 
in  secret.  Promote  by  word,  action  and  communication,  every  thing 
that  hath  a  tendency  to  advance  the  declarative  glory  of  God,  and 
the  interest  of  his  cause  in  the  world,  knowing  that  your  fellowship 


MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


103 


of  faith,  and  labor   of  love,  will,   through  the  exceeding  riches  of 
free  grace,  be  rewarded  by  Jesus  Christ  at  his  coming. 

"  Brethren,  we  commit  you  to  the  Lord  and  the  word  of  his  grace, 
and  remain  yours  in  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the  gospel. 

"  Isaac  Eaton,  Moderator. 
"  Samuel  Jones,  Clerk. 
"Philadelphia,  October  15,  1767." 


STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS. 

II 

■a 

1 

1 

a 

8 

i 

i 

0 

0 

0 

S 
0 

0 

52 

Pennepek, 

Samuel  Jones, 

Middletown, 

Abel  Morgan, 

0 

13 

1 

0 

0 

138 

Piscataqua, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

63 

Cohansie, 

Robert  Kelsay, 

0 

3 

6 

0 

3 

125 

Welsh  Tract, 

David  Davis, 

0 

4 

0 

0 

0 

106 

Great  Valley, 

John  Davis, 

3 

3 

1 

0 

0 

106 

Cape  May, 

John  Sutton, 

0 

6 

2 

0 

0 

66 

Hopewell, 

Isaac  Eaton, 

0 

8 

4 

2 

0 

213 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffith, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

28 

Montgomery, 

Benjamin  Griffith, 

0 

0 

2 

0 

3 

83 

Tulpehokin, 

Thomas  Jones, 

0 

1 

0 

1 

0 

22 

Kingwood, 

David  Sutton, 

0 

19 

1 

0 

1 

92 

Cranberry, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

0 

5 

1 

0 

0 

76 

Southampton, 

Samuel  Jones, 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

57 

Philadelphia, 

JNIorgan  Edwards, 

0 

11 

4 

2 

2 

140 

Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

0 

8 

1 

21 

0 

142 

Horse  Neck, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

7 

Oyster  Bay, 

Benjamin  Cole, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

15 

Morristown, 

John  Walton, 

0 

2 

1 

0 

0 

17 

Rocksberry, 

Henry  Crosley, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

50 

Baltimore, 

John  Davis, 

3 

10 

1 

1 

0 

107 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 

0 

0 

1 

3 

0 

49 

Salem, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

22 

Newtown, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Bateman's  Precincts, 

Samuel  Waldo, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

lis 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Heaton, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

38 

New  York, 

John  Gano, 

0 

17 

0 

2 

0 

132 

Northampton, 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 

0 

5 

I 

0 

0 

41 

Konolaway, 

Joseph  Powel, 

4 

1 

0 

0 

0 

2.". 

Coram, 

Noah  Hammond, 

0 

4 

1 

0 

0 

47 

Upper  Freehold, 

David  Jones, 

0 

2 

2 

0 

0 

48 

Henry  Crosley, 

0 

0 

6 

0 

0 

21 

10 

123 

31 

32 

~9 

2302 

Increase  this  year,  49. 

This  year  came  a  letter  from  the  Association  at  Mill  Creek,  Virginia,  whereby 
it  appears  that  one  church  more  hath  joined  them,  and  that  the  increase  in  that 
Association  is  thirty,  viz.,  twenty-six  by  baptism,  and  four  by  letters  dismissive 
and  commendatory. 


104  MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

1768. 

The  Association  met  this  year  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  11th,  12th, 
and  13th  of  October,  A.  D.  1768. 

It  was  opened  on  Tuesday,  at  3  P.  M.,  with  public  service,  and  a 
sermon  by  Rev.  Benjamin  Miller,  on  "  Imputed  Righteousness," 
from  Ps.  Ixxxix.  16.  After  sermon,  they  proceeded  to  the  choice  of 
a  moderator  and  clerk,  which  fell  on  the  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  and 
Rev.  Isaac  Stelle.  The  letters  were  read,  the  names  of  the  messen- 
gers taken.  One  to  preach  in  the  evening,  and  then  adjourned  to  the 
next  day. 

Wednesday. — This  day,  at  9  A.  M.,  the  Association  met.  After 
prayer,  they  read  a  petition  from  the  church  constituted  at  Mount 
Bethel,  which  was  received  into  the  Association.  This  church  was 
constituted,  October  29th,  1767,  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Miller,  Crosley, 
and  Walton.  The  number  of  constituents  were  thirteen  from  the 
Scotch  Plains,  to  which  were  added  from  the  same  church  five  more, 
and  afterwards  six,  and  eleven  by  baptism ;  in  all,  thirty-five. 

Agreed,  That  Philadelphia  be  supplied  according  to  the  first  year's 
plan. 

By  order  of  the  Association,  the  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton  was  ordered  to 
give  the  sum  of  <£14,  out  of  the  interest  arising  from  Mrs.  Hubs' 3 
legacy,  for  the  use  of  Charles  Thomson,  a  student  in  Rhode  Island 
College. 

Agreed,  That  the  Association  be  held  next  year  at  New  York,  but 
ever  after  at  Philadelphia  ;  and  then  adjourned  to  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Met  at  3.  After  prayer,  proceeded  to  business.  In  answer  to  a 
query  from  New  York,  it  was  agreed  that  baptism,  administered  by 
a  person  not  ordained,  was  invalid  and  disorderly. 

Some  of  the  New  Mills  people  requested  the  help  of  this  Associa- 
tion in  a  case  of  difficulty  between  them  and  their  minister.  Agreed, 
that  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  Samuel  Jones,  Mr.  James  Mott,  and  John 
Stout,  do  visit  them  on  the  fourth  Lord's  day  in  November,  at  10 
o'clock. 

Rev.  Isaac  Stelle  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter.  Rev.  J. 
Davis  to  write  to  the  Association  at  Warren ;  and  he  and  Rev.  S. 
Jones  to  be  messengers  to  meet  them  on  the  second  Lord's  day  in 
September. 

Rev.  Samuel  Jones  to  write  to  the  Association  in  Virginia,  to  be 
held  at  Pignut  Ridge,  on  Saturday  before  the  third  Lord's  day  in 
August ;  and  Rev.  John  Davis,  of  Baltimore,  to  be  our  messenger. 

At  a  request  from  some  people  in  Sussex  county,  New  Jersey,  seve- 
ral of  the  ministers  agreed  to  pay  them  a  visit  this  year. 

A  letter  from  the  church  of  Stratfield,  in  Connecticut,  was  received, 
intimating  a  separation,  on  account  of  washing  feet,  and  the  Lord's 
Supper  administered  every  week. 

Agreed,  that  Rev.  John  Gano,  Isaac  Stelle,  and  Benjamin  Miller, 
do  pay  them  a  visit. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  105 

Thursday. — Met  at  9  A.  M.  The  Association  advise  the  church 
of  Warren  to  be  cautious  of  one  Henry  Dawson,  late  from  Dr.  Gif- 
ford's  church,  in  Eagle  street,  London. 

Fourteen  of  our  churches  brought  in  their  gatherings  for  the  As- 
sociation fund,  amounting  to  X18,  17s.  lid.,  which  was  deposited  in 
the  hands  of  Mr.  George  Westcott,  to  be  put  out  at  interest.  The 
churches  that  gave  are  the  following  : 


£.    s. 

d. 

£    s. 

d. 

Philadelphia, 

5    0 

0 

Southampton, 

2    2 

4 

Cohansie, 

1     0 

0 

Piscataqua, 

0    7 

6 

Pennepek, 

2    1 

4 

Baltimore, 

0  10 

0 

Welsh  Tract, 

2    6 

9 

Montgomery, 

0  10 

0 

New  York, 

2    0 

0 

Salem, 

0  10 

0 

Hopewell, 

1  10 

0 

Cape  May, 

0    7 

6 

Kiiigwood, 

0    5 

0 

Dividing  Creek, 

0    7 

6 

Some  jealousy  arising  on  account  of  an  appeal  to  the  Association, 
mentioned  pages  100  and  101,  it  was  agreed  that  the  word  appeal 
was  not  quite  proper,  as  the  Association  claims  no  jurisdiction,  nor 
a  power  to  repeal  any  thing  settled  by  any  church ;  but  if,  before 
settlement,  parties  agree  to  refer  matters  to  the  Association,  then  to 
give  their  advice. 

The  Association  to  be  held  at  New  York  on  Tuesday  after  the 
second  Sunday  in  October.  Rev.  John  Davis  to  preach  ;  and,  in  case 
of  failure.  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  or  Rev.  David  Jones. 

Agreed,  to  request  all  the  churches  to  lay  themselves  out  to  find 
any  gifted  brethren  that  may  arise  among  them,  and  encourage  them. 

Rev.  Isaac  Stelle  appointed  to  draw  up  the  circular  letter  to  the 
churches,  a  copy  of  which  follows : 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS. 

"  Brethren, — We  are  happy  now,  at  the  close  of  our  Association 
in  having  it  in  our  power  to  say  that  we  met  in  love,  continued  our 
business  without  discord  and  jarring,  and  parted  in  peace  and  friend- 
ship ;  that  we  are  pleased  with  the  accounts  sent  us  from  different 
churches,  particularly  the  good  news  of  the  increase  of  Christ's 
kingdom  on  earth,  for  which  we  praise  God,  and  pray  for  you  that 
your  faith  fail  not. 

"And  now,  dearly  beloved  brethren  in  the  bonds  of  Christian 
love,  our  request  is,  that  as  you  have  put  on  the  Lord  Jesus  so  walk 
ye  in  him,  and  that  you  may  be  enabled  so  to  do,  neglect  not  the 
assembling  of  yourselves  together.  Maintain  the  public  worship  of 
God,  and  keep  yourselves  unspotted  from  the  world.  Do  all  things 
whatsoever  may  tend  to  promote  brotherly  love  and  charity,  always 
remembering  that  unity  is  the  best  secm'ity  the  church  of  Christ 
can  have  against  attacks  from  every  enemy ;  that  if  divided,  you  fall 
a  more  easy  prey  to  your  adversaries ;  that  you  cannot  injure  one 
another  without  injuring  yourselves  also  ;  that  by  attending  too  much 

14 


106 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


to  distinctions  and  speculations,  you  rob  your  own  souls  of  the  real 
comfort  of  religion.  And  finally,  brethren,  "  whatsoever  things  are 
true,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely,  whatsoever  things  are  of  good 
report,  if  there  be  any  virtue,  and  if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on 
these  things."  And  may  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
bless  you  abundantly.     Amen. 

Signed,  by  order  of  the  Association, 

Isaac  Eaton,  Moderator, 
Isaac  Stelle,  Clerk. 


STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS. 

"o. 

•a 

e 

i 

a 

8 

1 

i 

c3 

1 

a 

0 

1 
47 

Pennepek, 

Samuel  Jones, 

0 

0 

2 

Middletown, 

Abel  Morgan, 

5 

0 

4 

0 

138 

Piscataqua, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

4 

0 

2 

0 

64 

Cohansie, 

Robert  Kelsay, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

123 

AYelsh  Tract, 

David  Davis, 

2 

0 

1 

0 

109 

Great  Valley, 

John  Davis, 

11 

0 

1 

0 

116 

Cape  May, 

1 

0 

1 

0 

66 

Hopewell, 

Isaac  Eaton, 

3 

0 

5 

2 

217 

J\Iontgoniery, 

6 

0 

2 

0 

84 

Tulpehokin, 

Thomas  Jones, 

0 

0 

2 

0 

20 

Kiugwood, 

David  Sutton, 

11 

0 

2 

0 

195 

Southampton, 

Samuel  Jones, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

55 

Philadelphia, 

Morgan  Edwards, 

6 

0 

3 

1 

146 

Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

9 

0 

2 

0 

149 

]Morristown, 

John  AValton, 

2 

0 

1 

0 

74 

Baltimore, 

John  Davis, 

7 

0 

2 

0 

112 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 

1 

0 

1 

0 

49 

Salem, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

22 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Heaton, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

38 

New  York, 

John  Gano, 

12 

2 

1 

2 

143 

Croswicks, 

David  Jones, 

3 

0 

1 

0 

50 

Mount  Bethel, 

Henry  Crosley, 

11 

0 

0 

0 

35 

Konoloway, 

Joseph  Powell, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

25 

Brandywine, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

Cranberry, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

761 

Horse  Neck, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

7 

Oyster  Bay, 

Benjamin  Cole, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

15 

Rocksberry, 

Henry  Crosley, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

50 

Newtown, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Bateman's  Precincts, 

Samuel  Waldo, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

115 

New  Mills, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

42 

Coram, 

Noah  Hammond, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

46 

94 

2  35 

~5: 

3392 

Increase  this  year,  81. 

N.  B.  Nine  churches  have  not  sent  to  us  this  year — By  a  letter  from  the 
Association  at  Warren,  it  appears  that  the  following  churches  were  formed  into 
an  Association,  September  9th,  1767,  viz: — the  church  of  Warren,  Bellingham, 
Middleberry,  Haverhill. 


MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION 

HELD  AT  NEW  YORK,  OCTOBER  IOtH,  IItH,  AND  12tH, 

1769.* 


The  Association,  this  year,  met  at  New  York,  on  the  afternoon  of 
the  10th  of  October.  Divine  service  being  over,  the  Rev.  Isaac 
Eaton  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  clerk. 
Letters  from  twenty-six  churches  were  read ;  also  from  the  Warren 
Association,  and  that  of  Virginia.  The  names  of  the  messengers 
were  enrolled,  who  were. 

Ministers, — Rev.  Messrs.  Isaac  Eaton,  Abel  Morgan,  Morgan  Ed- 
wards, John  Gano,  Isaac  Stelle,  John  Thomas,  Samuel  Jones,  David 
Sutton,  Joshua  Jones,  Samuel  Waldo,  John  Waltam,  John  Sutton, 
Abel  Griffiths,  Noah  Hammond,  Robert  Kelsay,  David  Jones,  Henry 
Crossley,  Benjamin  Miller,  Hezekiah  Smith,  James  Benedict,  John 
Lawrence,  Simon  Deacon,  and  Benjamin  Coles. 

Laymen, — Messrs.  William  Harper,  Samuel  Edmunds,  William 
Bennet,  William  Lawson,  Francis  Van  Dyke,  Arthur  Watts,  Andrew 
Bray,  Thomas  Pollen,  Jonathan  Waldo,  John  Brookfield,  Edward 
Kesby,  James  Grover,  Richard  Crosford,  James  Pew,  John  Stout, 
Henry  Ludlem,  Safety  Maghee,  Joseph  Meeker,  Timothy  Hughes, 
Recompense  Stanbury,  John  Stites. 

Business  done, — 

1.  A  church,  constituted  April  16,  1769,  at  Lyon's  Farms,  in 
Newark  township,  Essex,  New  Jersey,  was  received  into  the  Asso- 
ciation ;  the  number  when  constituted  eleven. 

2.  Agreed,  That  any  member  of  the  associated  churches,  or  of 
any  other  Baptist  church,  except  he  be  under  censure,  may  be  pre- 
sent at  the  meeting  of  the  Association.  Adjourned  to  the  morrow. 
A  sermon  in  the  evening. 

October  11,  eight  o'clock. — The  Association  met,  and  after  prayer 
and  calling  over  the  roll,  proceeded  to  business. 

\*  Note. — The  Minutes  for  this  year,  are  the  first  that  appear  to  have 
been  issued  by  order  of  the  Association.  They  were  printed  in  small  quarto 
form,  on  very  good  type  and  paper.  In  consequence  of  the  above  change,  we 
give  the  full  title  to  each  of  the  succeeding  Annual  Minutes. — Ed.} 

ciob 


108  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

•3.  Henry  Dawson  appeared.  Resolved,  to  dismiss  his  case,  be- 
case  we  cannot  judge  between  him  and  the  parties  in  London,  and 
to  avoid  him,  because  he  stands  excommunicated  by  two  churches  of 
the  same  faith  and  order.  From  the  one  justly,  to  our  knowledge, 
and,  for  ought  appears,  justly,  from  Dr.  Gilford's  church,  the  preamble 
to  his  excommunication,  observing  that  his  breaking  was  "  reproach- 
ful to  religion." 

4.  A  church,  constituted  November  7,  1764,  in  Goshen  township, 
Orange  county,  New  York,  was  received  into  the  Association.  This 
church  began  with  three  persons,  and  is  increased  to  fifty-seven.  The 
minister  is  the  Rev.  James  Benedict. 

5.  Two  churches  in  Philip's  Patent,  New  York,  sent  their  messengers 
with  their  church  covenants  and  Confessions  of  faith  in  order  to  be 
first  known  to  the  Association,  and  the  Association  known  to  them, 
and  then  to  join  it,  if  mutual  approbation  should  be  obtained. 

Agreed,  That  these  churches  are  orthodox, — that  they  are  rightly 
constituted, — their  ministers  regularly  ordained, — and  that  letters 
be  written  to  them  to  signify  this  our  judgment,  and  to  own  them  as 
sister  churches. 

Their  messengers  were  allowed  to  sit  in  the  Association.  Their 
ministers  are  the  Rev.  John  Lawrence,  and  the  Rev.  Simon  Deacon. 
Adjourned. 

The  Association  met  again  at  half  past  two  o'clock,  and  proceeded 
to  business. 

6.  It  was  shown  by  some  from  Philadelphia,  that  they  had  obtained 
leave  from  the  church  they  belonged  to,  to  form  themselves  into  a 
distinct  society  in  the  Northern  Liberties  of  that  city :  and  they 
were  desirous  to  know  the  sense  of  the  Association  touching  their 
design  ? 

Voted,  That  if  any  of  our  ministers  were  free  to  constitute  them 
into  a  church,  in  said  Liberties,  they  might  do  it  without  offending 
the  Association. 

7.  By  letter  and  messengers  from  Warren,  we  were  informed  that 
they  had  petitioned  the  legislatures  of  Boston  and  Connecticut,  in 
favor  of  their  brethren  who  suffer  for  nonconformity  to  the  religious 
establishments  of  those  colonies ;  and,  in  case  their  petitions  produced 
not  a  speedy  or  effectual  redress  of  their  grievances,  requested  that 
we  would  join  with  them  in  a  petition  to  our  gracious  sovereign. 

Voted,  That  this  Association  will  not  only  join  that  of  Warren, 
in  seeking  relief  for  our  oppressed  brethren,  but  will  also  solicit  the 
concurrence  of  the  Associations  of  Virginia  and  Carolina  in  the  de- 
sign, if  need  be. 

Voted  also,  That  letters  and  messengers  be  sent  to  signify  this 
our  resolution. 

The  letter  to  the  Warren  Association  was  drawn  up  by  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Jones ;  the  messengers.  Rev.  Samuel  Waldo  and  Rev.  Ben- 
jamin Coles.  That  to  the  Virginia  Association,  by  Rev.  Hezekiah 
Smith.    The  messenger.  Rev.  John  Gano. 

8.  By  a  letter  from  the  Virginia  Association,  we  learn  that  two 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


109 


churches  have  joined  them,  and  that  the  increase  this  year  is  one 
hundred  and  sixty-seven.     Adjourned. 

October  12.  The  Association  met  at  eight  this  morning. 

9.  A  letter  of  thanks  from  the  Rev.  Peter  P.  Vanhorn  was  read. 

10.  Rev.  Messieurs  Robert  Kelsay,  John  Walton,  and  David  Jones 
were  desired  to  attend  at  the  Welsh  Tract  on  the  foui'th  Sunday  in 
May,  and  at  Cohansie  the  third. 

11.  In  a  letter  from  Bateman's  Precincts,  it  was  queried :  How  a 
church  should  proceed  towards  members  who  deny  family  worship  to 
be  a  duty,  and  so  disuse  it  ? 

Advice :  Let  the  church  bear  with  them,  till  it  has  used  endea- 
vors to  convince  them  of  their  error,  and  reduce  them  to  their  duty 
by  argument. 

Ordered  ;  That  some  thoughts  on  this  subject  be  put  together  and 
printed. 

12.  The  following  churches  and  private  persons  contributed  to  the 
Association  fund  ; 


Philadelphia, 
York, 
Hopewell, 
Kingwood, 
Bateman's  Precints, 
Mount  Bethel, 
Cape  May, 
Warwick, 
Lyon's  Farms, 


£ 

s. 

d. 

1 

10 

0 

2 

16 

3 

1 

10 

0 

0 

10 

0 

0 

9 

4 

0 

5 

0 

0 

7 

6 

0 

3 

9 

0 

5 

6 

Morristown, 
Cohansie, 
Philip's  Patent, 
Salem, 
New  Bi-itain, 
Coram, 
Mr.  Ward, 
Mr.  Willis, 
Mr.  Hall, 


£ 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

1 

0 


s. 

7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
10 
7 


d. 

10 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
0 
6 


In  all  £12  8s.  6d.,  which  sum  was  delivered  to  Rev.  Samuel  Jones, 
to  be  by  him  deposited  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer,  Mr.  George 
Westcott,  to  be  put  to  interest.  This  fund,  in  three  years,  has 
increased  to  <£72  16s.  6d.  The  churches  are  desired  to  continue  the 
collections. 

13.  We  received  pleasing  accounts  from  Rhode  Island  College. 
Seven  commenced  this  fall.  The  colony  has  raised  XI 200  towards 
the  building,  which  will  be  begun  early  in  the  spring.  About  .£1000, 
lawful  currency  of  New  England,  have  been  sent  us  from  home 
towards  making  up  a  salary  for  the  president ;  and  all  the  ministers 
of  this  Association  have  explicitly  engaged  to  exert  themselves  in 
endeavoring  to  raise  more  for  the  same  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  the  moneys,  which  may  be  raised  in  the  provinces  of 
New  York,  Jersey,  and  Pennsylvania,  shall  be  put  to  interest  in  those 
provinces,  and  not  be  taken  out  of  either ;  except  the  interest, 
which  shall  be  subject  to  the  order  of  the  College  to  pay  the  presi- 
dent's salary,  and  for  no  other  use.  The  persons  appointed  for 
receiving  the  donations  are  these  : — In  New  York,  the  Rev.  John 
Gano  ;  in  the  Jerseys,  John  Stites,  Esq. ;  in  Pennsylvania,  the  Rev. 
Morgan  Edwards.  They  are  to  see  that  the  securities  be  sufficient, 
and  that  the  bonds,  mortgages,  &c.,  be  deposited  with  the  treasurer 
of  the  College. 

14.  Voted,    That  <£14,  Jersey  currency,  be  given  Mr.  Thomas 


110  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Eustick,  towards  defraying  his  expenses  at  College,  out  of  tlie  profits 
of  the  late  Mrs.  Hub's  estate:  he  giving  bond  to  return  the  money 
in  case  the  Association  should  be  disappointed  in  him.  An  order  on 
Mrs.  Hub's  executors  was  drawn,  and  given  to  the  Rev.  John  Gano, 
to  be  occupied. 

15.  Our  number  of  ministers  decreasing,  and  calls  for  them  grow- 
ing more  numerous,  it  is  earnestly  requested  that  the  churches  will 
look  among  themselves  for  men  of  public  gifts,  and  send  them  forth 
to  preach  the  gospel. 

16.  The  Association  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia  next  year,  to  com- 
mence on  the  Tuesday  after  the  second  Sunday  in  October.  The  ser- 
mon to  be  preached  by  Rev.  John  Davis,  of  Baltimore ;  or,  in  case 
of  failure,  by  Rev.  Abel  Morgan. 

17.  Rev.  Abel  Griffiths  to  draw  a  circular  letter — the  which 
follows : 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS. 

"  The  ministers  and  other  messengers  of  the  congregations  in  Penn- 
sylvania, the  Jerseys,  and  provinces  adjacent,  met  in  annual  Associa- 
tion, at  New  York,  the  10th,  11th,  and  12th  of  October,  A.  D.  1769. 

"  To  the  several  churches  we  respectively  relate  unto,  send  greet- 
ing. 

"  Dearly  beloved  brethren  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, — Through  the 
abounding  goodness  of  Almighty  God,  in  his  providence,  we  have 
been  favored  with  the  high  privilege  of  meeting  in  his  name,  accord- 
ing to  appointment,  in  this  city ;  and  through  divine  goodness  we 
met,  and  were  preserved  in  love  throughout  all  our  consultations. 
For  ever  praised  be  the  Lord  for  his  goodness.  We  were  agreeably 
entertained  with  a  discourse  upon  the  Union  of  Saints,  by  our  bro- 
ther. Rev.  David  Jones,  from  Gal.  iii.  28  ;  and  much  refreshed  on 
hearing  your  letters  read,  by  which  we  find  that  our  churches  are 
mostly  at  peace  among  themselves,  and  that  the  Lord's  work  is  still 
carried  on  in  some  good  measure  among  them ;  for  there  have  been 
considerable  additions  to  some  churches.  Sixty-  eight  have  been  bap- 
tized, thirty-six  dead,  and  nine  excommunicated.  From  the  Warren 
Association,  we  find  that  four  churches  have  been  added  to  it,  and 
an  increase,  by  baptism,  of  fifty-five.  To  the  Virginia  Association, 
two  churches  have  been  added,  with  an  increase,  by  baptism,  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty-seven.  Two  joined  our  Association,  and  two 
more  became  known  to  us,  over  which  we  have  reason  to  rejoice. 

"  Now,  dear  brethren,  sufier  us,  before  we  separate  from  each  other, 
to  lay  before  you  these  few  necessary  things.  You  profess  to  be  fol- 
lowers of  Christ :  0  strive  to  lay  aside  every  weight  and  sin,  and  to 
walk  as  children  of  light  in  all  holiness  of  conversation,  that  the 
ways  of  God  be  not  reproached.  Be  diligent  to  keep  your  places  in 
the  house  of  God.  Be  careful  to  encourage  men  of  useful  gifts  among 
you  ;  for  great  is  the  want  of  ministerial  helps  at  this  time.  Neglect 
not  the  worship  of  God  in  your  families  and  closets.  Pray  for  all 
men,  especially  for  the  household  of  faith.    Finally,  endeavor  to  live 


MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


Ill 


under  the  Influence  of  tlie  Spirit  of  God,  and  in  the  increase  of  every 
grace,  that  you  may  have  the  consolation  thereof  while  here ;  and 
may  be  ready  when  the  Great  Bridegroom  comes  to  open,  and  with 
him  to  enter  into  everlasting  joy. 

"  Isaac  Eaton,  Moderator, 
"  M.  Edwards,  Clerk." 


STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


MINISTERS. 


Pennepek, 

Middletown, 

Piscataqua, 

Cohansie, 

Welsh  Tract, 

Great  Valley,* 

Cape  May, 

Hopewell, 

Brandywine, 

Montgomery, 

Tulpehokin,* 

Kingwood, 

Cranberry,* 

Southampton, 

Philadelphia, 

Scotch  Plains, 

Horse  Neck, 

Oyster  Bay, 

Morristown, 

Knowlton, 

Baltimore,* 

New  Britain, 

Salem, 

Newtown, 

Bateman's  Precincts, 

Dividing  Creek,* 

New  York, 

New  Mills,* 

Konoloway, 

Coram, 

Croswicks, 

Mount  Bethel, 

Goshen, 

Lyon's  Farms, 


Samuel  Jones, 
Abel  Morgan, 
Isaac  Stelle, 
Robert  Kelsay, 

John  Davis, 

Isaac  Eaton, 

John  Thomas, 
Thomas  Jones, 
David  Sutton, 

Samuel  Jones, 
Morgan  Edwards, 
Benjamin  Miller, 


John  "Walton, 
Heniy  Crosley, 
John  Davis, 
Joshua  Jones, 
Abel  Griffiths, 

Samuel  Waldo, 
Samuel  Heaton, 
John  Gano, 

Joseph  Powell, 
Noah  Hammond, 
David  Jones, 

James  Benedict, 


1 

pq 

i 

B 

8 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

49 

7 

0 

0 

0 

143 

7 

0 

2 

0 

69 

0 

0 

7 

1 

115 

0 

0 

o 

0 

110 

5 

0 

0 

0 

120 

0 

0 

3 

0 

62 

4 

0 

4 

1 

208 

5 

0 

2 

0 

29 

12 

0 

i 

0 

95 

2 

0 

0 

0 

16 

3 

0 

0 

1 

75 

0 

0 

2 

0 

76 

1 

0 

1 

2 

53 

11 

0 

6 

3 

149 

1 

0 

3 

0 

133 

0 

0 

0 

0 

7 

0 

0 

1 

0 

14 

0 

0 

0 

0 

47 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

10 

0 

4 

0 

118 

7 

0 

0 

0 

56 

0 

0 

1 

0 

20 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

0 

0 

0 

1 

113 

1 

0 

0 

0 

38 

1 

0 

2 

0 

140 

0 

0 

0 

1 

42 

2 

0 

0 

0 

27 

0 

0 

0 

0 

46 

2 

0 

0 

0 

53 

2 

0 

1 

0 

30 

0 

0 

0 

0 

57 

3 

0 

0 

0 

15 

86 

0 

41 

10 

2379 

N.  B. — The  churches  marked  thus  *  have  sent  neither  letters  nor  messen- 
gers this  year — their  numbers  stand  as  they  were  last  Association.  The  in- 
crease in  the  rest  is  15. 

It  is  proposed  to  print  the  transactions  of  the  Association  in  the  same  size 
every  year,  that  the  churches  may  in  time  bind  them  up.  The  tardy  churclies 
are  again  requested  to  send  either  letters  or  messengers  every  year,  that  those 
who  are  at  the  expense  of  printing  may  not  be  disappointed. 

Our  Confession  of  faith  may  be  had  at  Philadelphia  for  15  coppers,  half 
bound.     In  -sheets  for  7  coppers.     Catechisms,  4  coppers.     Norcott,  5  coppers. 


MINUTES 

OF   THE 

PHILADELPHIA  EAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  16tH,  17tH,  AND  IStH, 

1770. 


October  16tli.  The  Association  met  at  3  o'clock,  P.  M.  Divine 
service  being  over,  Rev.  Samuel  Jones  vras  chosen  moderator,  and 
Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  clerk.  Letters  from  thirtj-four  churches 
were  read,  also  from  the  Warren  Association,  and  that  of  Virginia. 
The  names  were  enrolled,  viz  : 

Ministers, — Rev.  James  Benedict,  John  Sutton,  Robert  Kelsay, 
Noah  Hammond,  Abel  Griffiths,  Isaac  Stelle,  John  Davis,  David 
Jones,  Isaac  Eaton,  John  Blackwell,  Samuel  Heaton,  Peter  Peter- 
son Vanhorn,  Joshua  Jones,  Joseph  Powell,  John  Thomas,  Samuel 
Jones,  David  Sutton,  Benjamin  Miller,  Morgan  Edwards,  Simon 
Dakin,  WiUiam  Worth,  Erasmus  Kelly,  and  David  Branson. 

Laymen, — Messrs.  David  Lobdel,  Dr.  Ebenezer  Blatchej,  Hugh 
Glasford,  Seth  Bowen,  Samuel  Sims,  Samuel  Jones,  John  M'Kim, 
Robert  M'Kim,  Edmund  Talbot,  Griffith  Jones,  Daniel  Cornog, 
Thomas  Cox,  Thomas  Farr,  Stephen  Barton,  Gideon  Heaton,  Peter 
Eaton,  Joseph  Hart,  Joseph  Griffiths,  Henry  Green,  Andrew  Bowen, 
Alexander  Edwards,  Andrew  Bray,  Recompence  Stanbury,  John 
Carman,  George  Wescott,  Samuel  Davis,  Joseph  Moulder,  and  Elisha 
Cole. 

Adjourned.     A  sermon  in  the  evening. 

Oct.  ITth.  The  Association  met  at  8  o'clock.  A,  M.  ;  and  after 
prayer  and  calling  over  the  roll,  proceeded  to  business.     Agreed, 

1.  That  messengers  from  other  Associations  are  members  of  this. 

2.  A  church  in  Com-tland's  Manor  proposed  to  join  us;  but  first 
desired  satisfaction  touching  two  questions.  Ordered,  that  a  letter 
be  written  to  said  church. 

3.  A  church  in  Philip's  Patent,  whereof  Rev.  Simon  Dakin  is 
minister,  was  received  into  the  Association.  This  church  is  in 
Dutchess   county,  New  York  government. 

4.  A  letter  from  the  people  on  Redstone  creek,  near  Monongahela, 
■was  read.  Ordered,  that  a  letter  be  written  to  them,  and  Mr.  James 
Sutton  be  recommended  thither. 

fll2) 


MINUTES   OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  113 

5.  The  church  in  the  Northern  Liberties  of  Philadelphia  proposed 
to  join  the  Association;  but  objections  to  it  being  made,  the  matter 
was  referred  to  a  committee,  who  brought  in  their  report,  and  the 
junction  was  deferred. 

Newtown  to  be  supplied  by  the  following  ministers, — Mr.  James 
Sutton,  last  Sunday  in  October  ;  Rev.  D.  Sutton,  last  Sunday  in 
November  ;  Rev.  Benjamin  Miller,  last  Sunday  in  April ;  Mr.  Worth, 
last  Sunday  in  May ;  Rev.  John  Blackwell,  last  Sunday  in  June ; 
Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  last  Sunday  in  July. 

7.  The  Rev.  Benjamin  Miller  and  Isaac  Stelle  to  assist  at  the 
yearly  meeting  in  Cohansie. 

8.  Morristown  to  be  supplied  by  Mr.  James  Sutton  the  first  Sun- 
day in  November ;  by  Rev.  R.  Kelsay,  last  Sunday  in  November ; 
by  Rev.  Benjamin  Miller,  fourth  Sunday  in  December;  by  Mr. 
Erasmus  Kelly,  fourth  Sunday  in  March ;  by  Rev.  Isaac  Stelle, 
fourth  Sunday  in  April ;  by  Rev.  Joshua  Jones,  fourth  Sunday  in 
May;  by  Mr.  Worth,  first  Sunday  in  June;  by  Rev.  John  Black- 
well,  first  Sunday  in  July  ;  by  Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  fourth  Sunday  in 
August. 

9.  Lyon's  Farms  to  be  supplied  by  Mr.  James  Sutton,  second  Sun- 
day in  November  ;  by  Rev.  R.  Kelsay,  third  Sunday  in  November  ; 
by  Mr.  Kelly,  third  Sunday  in  jMarch ;  by  Rev.  J.  Blackwell,  second 
Sunday  in  April ;  by  Rev.  J.  Jones,  third  Sunday  in  May ;  by  Mr. 
Worth,  second  Sunday  in  June ;  by  Mr.  Ward,  fourth  Sunday  in 
June  ;  by  Rev.  J.  Stelle,  second  Sunday  in  July ;  by  Rev.  S.  Jones, 
third  Sunday  in  August. 

10.  Manahawkin  to  be  supplied  by  Mr.  James  Sutton,  fourth  Sun- 
day in  November;  hj  Mr  Branson,  third  Sunday  in  December;  by 
Rev.  J.  Blackwell,  fourth  Sunday  in  April;  by  Mr.  Worth,  fourth 
Sunday  in  July. 

11.  Circular  letter  was  drawn  by  Mr.  Stelle.  Letter  to  the  War- 
ren Association  by  Mr.  Kelly,  wherein  he  and  Rev.  Simon  Dakin 
are  messengers. 

12.  The  contributors  to  the  Association  fund  this  year — 


£  s.  d. 

Pennepek,                               1  2  10 

Rev.  Ebenezer  Ward,            0  7  6 

Welsh  Tract,                          2     18       0  |  Mr.  Vandyke,                         0  7  6 


Philadelphia,  5       0      0 

Hopewell,  '  10      0 


Xew  York,  1  0  0  i  Kingwood,  0  10  0 

New  Mills,  0  5  0     Montgomery,  0  10  0 

Coram,  0  7  6     Philip's  Patent,  0  7  6 

Baltimore,  0  10  0  1 

In  all,  =£14  5s.  lOd.  ;  which  sum  was  received  by  Rev.  S.  Jones, 
to  be  deposited  in  the  treasurer's  hands.  This,  added  to  £72  16s.  6d. 
upon  interest,  makes  £87  2s.  4d.  The  last  year's  interest  to  be 
added  to  the  principal  for  this  year,  because  too  inconsiderable  to  be 
otherwise  employed. 

13.^  The  report  of  the  abovesaid  committee,  and  the  vote  of  the 
Association,  relative  to  last  year's  minute,  to  abide  in  Philadelpliia. 

15 


114  MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

14.  By  the  letter  from  the  Warren  Association,  it  appears  that 
our  brethren  in  New  England  are  sorely  oppressed  this  year  again, 
and  no  redress  obtained,  though  diligently  sought  for ;  their  case  is 
to  go  home  soon,  to  be  laid  at  the  feet  of  our  gracious  sovereign. 
Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith  is  appointed  agent,  who  proposes  to  sail  about 
the  beginning  of  November.  They  request  their  brethren  belonging 
to  this  Association,  to  help  them  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  agent. 
The  request  was  attended  to  with  much  sympathy.  Collections  to 
be  made  in  all  our  churches  immediately,  and  to  be  sent  either  to 
Mr.  George  Wescott,  of  Philadelphia,  or  Mr.  Williams,  of  New  York, 
to  be  by  them  remitted  to  London  ;  and  in  case  more  be  raised  than 
will  be  spent,  the  remainder  to  be  returned  to  the  donors,  or  other- 
wise disposed  of  by  their  order.  Also  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
draw  a  memorial,  addressed  to  Rev.  Dr.  Stennett,  and  others,  in  fa- 
vor of  our  New  England  brethren's  design. 

15.  Application  was  made  to  the  Association  in  favor  of  Mr. 
Eustick  and  Mr.  Vanhorn,  Jr.,  for  Mrs.  Hubb's  bounty  towards  edu- 
cating youth  for  the  ministry.  It  was  granted  to  the  latter,  he  to 
give  a  bond  to  return  the  money  in  case  the  Association  should  be 
disappointed  in  him.  Agreed,  also,  that  any  person  hereafter  apply- 
ing for  said  bounty,  shall  produce  a  recommendation  from  the  church 
he  belongs  unto,  relative  to  his  ministerial  gifts,  upon  such  trials  as 
they  shall  put  him  to. 

16.  Alexander  Edwards,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  George  Wescott,  are  de- 
sired to  treat  with  the  trustees  of  the  Grammar  School,  and  urge 
that  they  will  endeavor  to  promote  the  design  of  their  trust. 

17.  Oct.  18th. — Collections  for  the  Association  fund  to  be  con- 
tinued. 

18.  The  next  Association  to  meet  at  Philadelphia,  on  Tuesday  after 
the  second  Sunday  in  October.  The  sermon  by  Rev.  Abel  Morgan, 
or,  in  case  of  his  absence,  by  Rev.  Robert  Kelsay. 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS. 

The  ministers  and  other  messengers  of  the  congregations  in  Penn- 
sylvania, the  Jerseys,  and  provinces  adjacent,  met  in  annual  Asso- 
ciation at  Philadelphia,  on  the  16th,  17th,  and  18th  of  October, 
A.  D.  1770. 

To  the  several  churches  we  respectively  relate  unto,  send  greeting. 

Dearly  beloved  brethren, — We,  whom  you  in  your  letters  are  pleased 
to  address  as  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  churches  of  Christ, 
have  again,  through  the  protection  and  blessing  of  God,  been  per- 
mitted to  assemble  together  according  to  our  annual  custom,  profes- 
sedly with  views  to  the  honor  of  God  and  the  profit  of  men ;  and 
some  good  degree  of  love  and  union  subsisted  among  us  during  our 
stay  together.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  our  much  esteemed 
brother,  Rev.  John  Davis,  of  Baltimore,  from  Heb.  ii.  16.  By  your 
letters  we  find  that  our  churches  are  mostly  at  peace,  and  some  in- 
gathering from  the  field  of  unregenerate  men.     From  the  Warren 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  115 

Association  we  find  that  three  churches  joined  them  this  year ;  and 
that  the  increase  is  fifty-six.  Great  additions  have  been  made  to  the 
Virginia  Association.  We  rejoice  that  the  Lord  Jesus  doth  still  walk 
in  the  midst  of  his  golden  candlesticks.  0,  may  he  continue  and  in- 
crease his  glorious  work,  so  that  the  number  of  converts  to  him  may 
be  as  the  drops  of  morning  dew  !  And  while  we  hear  good  news  from 
distant  places,  may  it  excite  in  us  earnestness  productive  of  fervent 
prayer  to  God  for  a  revival  of  his  work  amongst  us,  which,  of  late, 
is  rather  decaying.  We  feel  chastisement  from  heaven  by  the  death 
of  our  beloved  brother.  Rev.  John  Walton ;  and  pray  that  God  will 
not  suffer  that  church,  with  whom  he  resided,  to  be  like  sheep  with- 
out a  shepherd.  Now,  dear  brethren,  as  we  are  about  parting  from 
each  other,  we  would  write  to  you  as  though  we  were  writing  our 
last ;  and  this  should  induce  you  to  attend  as  though  you  were  never 
to  hear  from  us  again.  We  would  attempt  to  stir  you  up  to  love  and 
good  works,  though  we  have  cause  to  be  grieved  for  our  own  dead- 
ness.  This  we  say  to  you  all,  strive  to  walk  together  in  unity  of  the 
Spirit  and  bonds  of  peace.  Neglect  not  the  use  of  the  Bible,  nor 
public  worship,  nor  private  prayer.  Set  the  best  example  before, 
and  give  good  and  wholesome  advice  to  all  under  your  care.  Watch 
over  all  your  thoughts,  words,  and  ways,  remembering  that  the  glory 
of  God  and  your  present  comfort  much  depend  thereon.  Be  careful 
to  encourage  men  of  useful  gifts  among  you,  though  they  may  not 
have  the  advantage  of  a  liberal  education.  Let  your  moderation  ap- 
pear to  all  men,  and  let  the  world  see  by  every  part  of  your  conduct 
that  there  is  a  divine  reality  in  your  religion.  May  the  Lord  open' 
your  ears  to  our  words,  and  abundantly  bless  our  advice  to  your 
hearts.  So  pray  your  brethren,  who  would  serve  you  in  the  Lord. 
Signed  by  the  moderator  and  clerk, 

Samuel  Jones, 
Morgan  Edwards. 

contents  of  letters  from  new  england,  relative  to  the  suf- 
ferings op  our  brethren  at  ashfield,  in  boston. 

"  The  laws  of  this  province  were  never  intended  to  exempt  the 
Baptists  from  paying  towards  building  and  repairing  Presbyterian 
meeting  houses,  and  making  up  Presbyterian  ministers'  salaries ;  for, 
besides  other  insufficiencies,  they  are  all  limited  both  as  to  extent  and 
duration.  The  first  law  extended  only  five  miles  round  each  Baptist 
meeting  house ;  those  without  this  circle  had  no  relief,  neither  had 
they  within :  for,  though  it  exempted  their  polls,  it  left  their  estates  to 
the  mercy  of  harpies,  and  their  estates  went  to  wreck.  The  Baptists 
sought  a  better  law,  and  with  great  difficulty  and  waste  of  time  and 
money,  obtained  it ;  but  this  was  not  universal.  It  extended  not  to 
any  parish  until  a  Presbyterian  meeting  house  should  be  built,  and 
a  Presbyterian  minister  settled  there ;  in  consequence  of  which  the 
Baptists  have  never  been  freed  from  the  first  and  great  expenses  of 
their  parishes,  expenses  equal  to  the  current  expenses  of  ten  or  twelve 


116  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

years.  This  is  the  present  case  of  the  people  of  Ashfield,  which  is  a 
Baptist  settlement.  There  were  but  five  families  of  other  denomi- 
nations in  the  place  when  the  Baptist  church  was  constituted ;  but 
those  five,  and  a  few  more,  have  lately  built  a  Presbyterian  meeting 
house  there,  and  settled  an  orthodox  minister,  as  they  call  him ; 
which  last  cost  them  =£200.  To  pay  for  both,  they  laid  a  tax  on  the 
land ;  and,  as  the  Baptists  are  the  most  numerous,  the  greatest  part 
fell  to  their  share.  The  Presbyterians,  in  April  last,  demanded  the 
money.  The  Baptists  pleaded  poverty,  alleging  that  they  had  been 
twice  driven  from  their  plantations  by  the  Indians  last  war ;  that 
they  were  but  new  settlers,  and  had  cleared  but  a  few  spots  of  land, 
and  had  not  been  able  to  build  commodious  dwelling  houses.  Their 
tyrants  would  not  hear.  Then  the  Baptists  pleaded  the  ingratitude 
of  such  conduct ;  for  they  had  built  a  fort  there  at  their  own  expense, 
and  had  maintained  it  for  two  years,  and  so  had  protected  the  interior 
Presbyterians,  as  well  as  their  neighbors,  who  now  rose  up  against 
them  ;  that  the  Baptists  to  the  westward  had  raised  money  to  relieve 
Presbyterians  who  had  like  them  suffered  by  the  Indians ;  and  that 
it  was  cruel  to  take  from  them  what  the  Indians  had  left !  But 
nothing  touched  the  hearts  of  these  cruel  jDeople.  Then  the  Baptists 
urged  the  law  of  the  province  ;  but  were  soon  told  that  that  law  ex- 
tended to  no  new  parish  till  the  meeting  house  and  minister  were 
paid  for.  Then  the  Baptists  petitioned  the  general  court.  Proceed- 
ings were  stopped  till  further  orders,  and  the  poor  people  went  home 
rejoicing,  thinking  their  property  safe  ;  but  had  not  all  got  home 
before  said  order  came ;  and  it  was  an  order  for  the  Presbyterians  to 
proceed.  Accordingly,  in  the  month  of  April,  they  fell  foul  on  their 
plantations ;  and  not  on  skirts  and  corners,  but  on  the  cleared  and 
improved  spots  ;  and  so  have  mangled  their  estates  and  left  them 
hardly  any  but  a  wilderness.  They  sold  the  house  and  garden  of 
one  man,  and  the  young  orchards,  meadows,  and  corn-fields  of  others  ; 
nay,  they  sold  their  dead,  for  they  sold  their  graveyard.  The  ortho- 
dox minister  was  one  of  the  purchasers.  These  spots  amounted  to 
three  hundred  and  ninety-five  acres,  and  have  since  been  valued  at 
.£363  8s.,  but  were  sold  for  £35  10s.  This  was  the  first  payment. 
Two  more  are  coming,  which  will  not  leave  them  an  inch  of  land  at 
this  rate.  The  Baptists  waited  on  the  assembly  five  times  this  year 
for  relief,  but  were  not  heard,  under  pretence  they  did  no  business  ; 
but  their  enemies  were  heard,  and  had  their  business  done.  At  last 
the  Baptists  got  together  about  a  score  of  the  members  at  Cambridge, 
and  made  their  complaints  known  ;  but  in  general,  they  were  treated 
very  superciliously.  One  of  them  spoke  to  this  efiect, — '  The  general 
assembly  have  a  right  to  do  what  they  did,  and  if  you  dont  lihe  it 
you  may  quit  the  place  !'  But,  alas,  they  must  leave  their  all  be- 
hind! These  Presbyterians  are  not  only  supercilious  in  power,  but 
mean  and  cruel  in  mastery.  When  they  came  together  to  mangle 
the  estates  of  the  Baptists,  they  diverted  themselves  with  the  tears 
and  lamentations  of  the  oppressed.  One  of  them,  whose  name  is 
Wells,  stood  up  to  preach  a  mock  sermon  on  the  occasion;  and, 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


117 


among  other  things,  used  words  to  this  effect :  '  The  Baptists,  for  re- 
fusing to  jmy  an  ortJiodox  minister,  shall  he  cut  in  pound  pieces  ^  and 
hailed  for  their  fat  to  grease  the  deviVs  carriage,  ^c'  " 

STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


V 

■53 

t 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS. 

c 

1 

•a 

S       .2 

1 

0 

ft 
0 

0 

50 

Peunepek, 

Samuel  Jones, 

Middletown, 

Abel  Morgan, 

2 

0 

0 

0 

144 

Piscataqua, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

8 

0 

2 

0 

73 

Cohansie, 

Robert  Kelsay, 

1 

0 

4 

1 

110 

Welsh  Tract, 

John  Sutton, 

3 

0 

1 

0 

112 

Great  Valley, 

John  Davis, 

2 

0 

3 

1 

115 

Cape  May, 
Hopewell, 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

61 

Isaac  Eaton, 

2 

0 

5 

0 

202 

Brandywine, 

3 

0 

0 

0 

32 

Moutgomery, 

John  Thomas, 

14 

1 

1 

0 

104 

Tulpehokin, 

Thomas  Jones, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

16 

Kingwood, 

David  Sutton, 

9 

0 

2 

1 

76 

Mount  Bethel, 

Henry  Crosley, 

6 

0 

0 

0 

38 

Southampton, 

Erasmus  Kelly, 

0 

0 

0 

1 

52 

Philadelphia, 

Morgan  Edwards, 

6 

0 

3 

2 

150 

Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

4 

0 

1 

1 

124 

Horse  Neck, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

7 

Oyster  Bay, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

15 

Morristown, 

3 

0 

2 

0 

46 

Knowlton, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Baltimore, 

John  Davis, 

14 

0 

1 

1 

131 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 

3 

0 

2 

0 

57 

Salem, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

3 

0 

1 

0 

22 

Newtown, 

2 

0 

0 

0 

27 

Bateman's  Precincts, 

Samuel  Waldo, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

113 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Heaton, 

7 

0 

1 

0 

44 

New  York, 

John  Gano, 

9 

0 

5 

0 

129 

New  Mills, 

David  Branson, 

3 

0 

0 

0 

45 

Konoloway, 

Joseph  Powel, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

29 

Coram, 

Noah  Hammond, 

4 

0 

1 

0 

30 

Croswicks, 

David  Jones, 

0 

0 

2 

0 

41 

Goshen, 

Sames  Benedict, 

5 

0 

1 

2 

61 

Lyon's  Farma, 

5 

0 

0 

0 

20 

Philip's  Patent, 

Simon  Dakin, 

1 

121 

0 

1 

0 

39 

0 

65 

10 

2307 

N.  B.  Forty-five  have  been  dismissed  to  churches  belonging  to  other  Associa- 
tions ;  and  15  to  constitute  a  new  church  which  has  not  yet  joined  this  Associa- 
tion. So  that  the  increase  in  reality  is  71,  though  it  appears  to  be  but  1,  by 
comparing  this  year's  number  with  the  last. 


MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  15tH,  16tH,  AND  17tH, 

1771. 


The  Association  met  at  Philadelphia,  October  15th,  at  three 
o'clock.  Divine  service  being  over,  Rev.  John  Gano  Avas  chosen 
moderator,  and  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  clerk.  Letters  from  thirty- 
nine  churches  were  read,  also  from  the  Virginia  and  Warren  Asso- 
ciations.    The  messengers  present  were — 

3Iinisters, — Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  William  Vanhorn,  John  Sutton, 
Robert  Kelsay,  John  Davis,  P.  P.  Vanhorn,  Isaac  Eaton,  David  Sut- 
ton, Morgan  Edwards,  Reune  Runyon,  John  Davis,  Joshua  Jones, 
Abel  Griffiths,  Nicholas  Cox,  Samuel  Heaton,  John  Gano,  David 
Branson,  David  Jones,  James  Benedict,  Benjamin  Miller,  John  Black- 
well,  James  Sutton. 

Layynen, — Messrs.  Alexander  Edwards,  James  Mott,  Joseph  Still- 
well,  George  Drake,  Isaiah  Lewis,  Seth  Bowen,  David  Bowen,  John 
Davis,  George  George,  John  Jewell,  Thomas  Davis,  Andrew  Bray, 
Anthony  Yerkes,  Arthur  Watts,  Joseph  Moulder,  Thomas  Shields, 
Joshua  Moore,  Samuel  Mead,  Thomas  Francis,  John  Brookfield, 
David  Evans,  Edward  Kesby,  John  Carman,  Samuel  Edmonds,  John 
Briggs,  Benjamin  Truax,  James  Sexton,  Philip  Ketcham,  Richard 
Jones,  Lines  Pangburn,  John  Mayhew,  David  Philips. 

Adjourned.     A  sermon  in  the  evening. 

Oct.  16th.  A  church  constituted  at  Manahawkin,  August  25th, 
1770,  their  number  nine  ;  another  constituted  at  Pittsgrove,  May 
15th,  1771,  their  number  seventeen  ;  another  at  Vincent,  constituted 
October  12th,  1771,  their  number  fifty-two  ;  another  in  the  Northern 
Liberty,  constituted  October  29th,  1769,  their  number  six,  were  all 
received  into  the  Association. 

2.  By  a  letter  from  the  Virginia  Association,  it  appears  that  two 
churches  joined  them,  with  an  increase  of  members,  by  baptism,  to 
the  number  of  two  hundred  and  seventy-five.  Their  messenger  was 
Rev.  Richard  Major.  And  by  another  from  the  Warren  Association, 
that  five  churches  joined  them,  with  increase  of  members,  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty-seven. 
ril8) 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  119 

3.  The  church  of  Newtown  desired  the  Association  to  appoint  time 
and  ministers  to  ordain  Mr.  Nicholas  Cox ;  the  Association  reply, 
that  the  appointment  of  both  properly  belongs  to  his  church. 

4.  It  was  queried  in  the  letter  from  Goshen  :  What  is  to  be  done 
when  a  member  of  a  church  that  is  dissolved  offers  to  become  a  mem- 
ber of  another  church  ? 

Advised,  That  inquiry  be  made,  whether  he  was  a  member  at  the 
time  of  said  dissolution,  and  whether  his  faith  and  practice  are  agree- 
able to  the  gospel  or  not,  and  then  proceed  as  the  state  of  the  case 
requires. 

5.  To  a  query  from  Dividing  Creek,  relative  to  washing  the  saints' 
feet,  the  following  reply  was  made : 

This  query  being  founded  on  John  xiii.  1—17,  can  no  otherwise  be 
determined  than  by  fixing  the  genuine  sense  of  that  Scripture,  which 
to   do  is  earnestly  recommended. 

6.  A  motion  being  made  in  the  Association,  relative  to  the  ap- 
pointment of  an  Evangelist,  it  was  universally  agreed  that  such  an 
appointment  promised  much  advantage  to  the  Baptist  interests. 
Five  ministers  were  put  in  nomination  for  the  ofiice,  viz :  Rev. 
Messrs.  John  Gano,  Benjamin  Miller,  Samuel  Jones,  David  Jones, 
Morgan  Edwards.  The  choice  fell  on  the  last,  which  he  accepted 
on  the  conditions  then  specified. 

7.  A  motion  being  made  for  printing,  in  America,  a  book  of  Mr. 
Keach  on  the  parables,  it  was  advised,  that  endeavors  should  be 
used  to  see  what  number  of  subscribers  can  be  obtained. 

Adjourned.     Sermon  in  the  evening. 

Oct.  17th.  Appointed  Rev.  Messrs.  Abel  Griffiths,  John  Black- 
well,  and  William  Vanhorn,  to  write  the  circular  letter  and  the  letter 
to  the  Association  of  Viro;inia  and  Warren.  The  messeno;ers  to  the 
former  are  Rev.  John  Davis  and  David  Jones  ;  the  messengers  to  the 
other.  Rev.  John  Gano  and  Morgan  Edwards. 

2.  The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  trustees  of  Mrs.  Hubb's 
donation,  and  to  settle  accounts  with  her  executors,  viz  :  Rev.  Samuel 
Jones,  of  Pennepek,  Rev.  Isaac  Eatqn,  John  Stout,  Esq.,  and  John 
Jewell,  of  New  Jersey. 

3.  The  petition  of  Mr.  Ebenezer  David,  student  in  Rhode  Island 
College,  was  granted  to  the  amount  of  XI 4,  he  giving  a  bond  to  the 
trustees  to  return  the  money  in  case  their  intention  and  the  intention 
of  the  benefactor  should  not  be  answered. 

4.  The  Association  to  be  in  New  York  next  year ;  to  begin  the 
Tuesday  after  the  second  Sunday  in  October.  Mr.  Abel  Morgan  to 
preach  ;  or,  in  case  of  his  absence,  Mr.  Morgan  Edwards. 

5.  Visiting  Lyon's  Farms  is  recommended  to  our  ministers. 

6.  The  pious  design  of  Mr.  Britton,  of  Shammony,  was  attended  to ; 
and  the  following  persons  have  engaged  to  preach  there  this  year,  viz  ; 
Mr.  Samuel  Jones,  the  fourth  Sunday  in  January,  June,  and  Sep- 
tember ;  Mr.  John  Thomas,  the  fourth  Sunday  in  November,  March, 
and  July  ;  Mr.  William  Vanhorn,  the  fourth  Sunday  in  December, 
April,  and  August ;  Mr.  John  Blackwell,  the  fourth  Sunday  in  May  j 


120  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Mr.  Joshua  Jones,    the   fourth   Sunday  in   February ;   Mr.  David 
Branson,  the  fourth  Sunday  in  this  present  month,  October. 

7.  Manahawkin  to  be  supplied  by  Mr.  Branson,  the  third  Sunday 
in  December  and  May ;  Mr.  David  Jones,  the  third  Sunday  in  No- 
vember and  March;  Mr.  "Worth,  the  third  Sunday  in  January  and 
June ;  Mr.  James  Sutton,  the  third  Sunday  in  February ;  Mr.  Hea- 
ton,  third  Sunday  in  April ;  Mr.  P.  Yanhorn,  the  fourth  Sunday  in 
July  ;  Mr.  Runyon,  the  third  Sunday  in  August ;  Mr.  William  Van- 
horn,  the  third  Sunday  in  September. 

8.  The  Northern  Liberty  church  to  be  supplied  by  Mr.  Kelsay,  the 
third  Sunday  in  November ;  Mr.  Worth,  the  third  Sunday  in  Febru- 
ary ;  Mr.  Abel  Griffiths,  the  second  Sunday  in  January ;  Mr.  Run- 
yon,  the  third  Sunday  in  June  :  Mr.  Heaton,  the  third  Sunday  in 
March  ;  Mr.  D.  Sutton,  the  third  Sunday  in  April ;  Mr.  Joshua 
Jones,  the  fourth  Sunday  in  May  ;  Mr.  Runyon,  the  fourth  Sunday 
in  August. 

9.  The  ministers  expressed  a  readiness  to  supply  Philadelphia,  in 
case  Mr.  Edwards  should  proceed  in  the  execution  of  his  public 
office. 

10.  The  contributors  to  the  Association  fund  were — 

£  s.  d. 

Church  of  Hopewell,  10  0 

Church  of  Kingwood,  0  5  0 

Church  of  New  York,  3  0  0 

Edward  Kesby,  Esq.,  0  7  6 

Mr.  Pangburn,  0  3  9 

Mr.  John  Briggs,  0  3  9 


Church  of  Philadelphia, 
Church  of  Cohansie, 
Church  of  Southampton, 
Chui-ch  of  Baltimore, 
Church  of  Pennepek, 
Church  of  Great  Valley, 


£ 

s. 

d. 

2 

12 

0 

0 

15 

0 

1 

2 

6 

0 

10 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

6 

m 

This,  added  to  the  former  capital  and  interest,  make  ^110  12s.  2|d. 

A  private  letter  from  Rev.  Samuel  Harris,  alias  Col.  Harris,  of 
Pittsylvania,  in  Virginia,  was  read,  to  the  great  joy  and  entertainment 
of  the  Association ;  whereby  it  appears,  that  there  are  four  Associa- 
tions now  in  Carolina,  and  two  in  Virginia ;  that  he  hath  planted 
seventeen  churches  lately ;  that  two  of  our  ministers  are  in  Chester- 
field gaol ;  that  there  is  an  unusual  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  on  all 
ranks  of  men  in  those  parts ;  that  many  negroes  endure  scourgings 
for  religion's  sake ;  that  two  clergymen  of  the  Church  of  England, 
preach  Jesus  Christ  with  unusal  warmth. 

PASTORAL  ADDRESS. 

The  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  congrega- 
tions in  Pennsylvania,  the  Jerseys,  and  provinces  adjacent,  met  in 
annual  Association  at  Philadelphia,  October  15th,  16th,  17th,  1771. 

To  the  several  churches  we  respectively  relate  unto,  wish  grace, 
mercy,  and  peace  may  be  multiplied. 

Dear  brethren, — Through  the  good  providence  of  God,  we  have 
been  preserved  to  see  one  season  more  of  our  annual  meeting;  and, 
blessed  be  God,  we  met  in  love,  and  preserved  love  and  harmony 
through  the  whole  of  our  consultations.  We  were  agreeably  enter- 
tained with  a  discourse  on  the  insufficiency  of  our  own  righteousness 
in  point  of  justification,  by  our  brother,  Kelsay,  from  Phil.  iii.  9;  and 


MINUTES   OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  121 

much  refreshed  with  your  letters,  by  which  we  learn  that  our  churches 
are  mostly  at  peace  among  themselves ;  and  that  the  Lord  is  still 
continuing  his  presence  in  the  midst  of  his  golden  candlesticks,  and 
blessing:  his  word  to  the  brino-ino;  of  some  to  the  obedience  of  faith. 
We  also  have  good  news  from  the  eastern  and  western  Associations, 
of  seven  churches  joining  them,  and  of  increase,  by  baptism,  to  the 
number  of  four  hundred  and  forty-two,  which,  with  the  increase  in 
ours,  make  five  hundred  and  twenty-four. 

Now,  beloved  brethren,  before  we  part  from  one  another,  we  would 
remind  you  of  these,  few  necessary  things,  viz :  That,  as  there  be 
some  complaints  of  deadness  and  coldness  in  religion,  0  be  instant 
with  the  Lord  in  private  and  public  prayers,  wrestling  with  him  for 
his  blessing,  and  those  measures  of  his  Spirit  and  grace  whereby  your 
OAvn  souls  may  be  quickened  more  and  more,  and  you  grow  in  grace 
and  knowledge,  and  in  the  practice  of  every  duty,  and  lay  no  stum- 
bling block  in  the  way  of  any.  Be  watchful  against  the  temptations 
of  Satan,  the  great  enemy  of  the  church.  Be  careful  to  keep  your 
Christian  graces  in  exercise,  that  you  may  be  comfortable  in  the 
midst  of  difficulties.  Be  diligent  in  attending  the  means  of  grace. 
Neglect  not  the  assembling  of  yourselves  together  as  the  manner  of 
some  is.  Strengthen  the  hands  of  your  ministers,  and  pray  earnestly 
that  God  will  bless  their  labors.  Finally,  brethren,  be  mindful  of 
the  exhortation,  to  keep  your  loins  girt  and  your  lamps  burning,  that, 
whenever  the  midnight  cry  be  heard,  you  may  be  ready  to  go  in 
with  Christ  to  the  marriage,  which  is  the  wish  of  your  brethren. 

Signed  in  our  behalf,  John  Gano,  Moderator, 

Morgan  Edwards,  Clerk. 

Finding  that  the  minutes  of  the  Association  do  not  fill  the  sheet 
as  usual,  I  will,  according  to  particular  desire,  add  one  agreement, 
that  the  Associating  churches  came  to,  dated  the  27th  of  the  seventh 
month,  in  the  year  1707  ;  and  it  is  the  first  on  record : 

"  Agreed,  That  no  man  shall  be  allowed  to  preach  among  the  Associa- 
ted churches,  except  he  produce  credentials  of  his  being  in  communion 
with  his  church,  and  of  his  having  been  called  and  licensed  to  preach." 

Before  this,  vain  and  insufficient  men,  who  had  set  themselves  up 
to  be  preachers,  would  stroll  about  the  country  under  the  name  of 
Baptist  ministers ;  also,  ministers  degraded  and  excommunicated, 
who,  with  their  immorality,  and  the  others,  with  their  insufficiency  and 
immorality  too,  brought  disgrace  on  the  very  name  of  Baptists  ;  which 
evil,  the  above  agreement  of  the  Association,  if  attended  to,  would 
in  a  great  measure,  remedy.  Christ  is  the  door  to  the  ministry,  and 
his  church  is  the  porter,  for  to  it  hath  he  given  the  keys  ;  and  whoever 
comes  in  at  the  door,  to  him  the  porter  opcneth,  John  x.  3;  he  that 
climbeth  into  the  pulpit  any  other  way,  climbeth  thither  by  an  extra- 
ordinary call  and  mission,  and  must  give  an  extraordinary  proof 
thereof,  as  the  Apostles  did,  or  subject  himself  to  a  suspicion  of 
intrusion  and  imposture.  And  it  has  been  found,  that  they  who  pre- 
tend to  extraordinary  calls  and  missions  are  such  as  could  obtain  no 

16 


122 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


ordinary  ones,  because  either  their  characters  or  gifts  would  not  jus- 
tify any  church  that  should  put  them  in  the  ministry.  In  truth,  they 
are  self-made  preachers ;  and  it  has  been  said,  that  "  a  self-made 
preacher,  a  quack  doctor,  and  a  pettyfogging  lawyer,  are  three  animals 
that  the  world  would  do  better  without  than  with." 


STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE 

YEAR. 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS. 

1 

org 

1 

"2 

s 

8 

a 

(§ 

p 

H 

w 

M 

Pennepekj 

Samuel  Jones, 

1 

1 

0 

4 

1 

47 

Middletown, 

Abel  Morgan, 

2 

0 

0 

3 

0 

142 

Piscataqua, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

1 

0 

0 

1 

0 

72 

Cohansie, 

Robert  Kelsay, 

1 

0 

0 

6 

0 

84 

Welsh  Tract, 

John  Sutton, 

5 

2 

0 

3 

0 

115 

Great  Valley, 

John  Davis, 

13 

0 

0 

4 

1 

72 

Cape  May, 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 

4 

0 

0 

1 

0 

62 

Hopewell, 

Isaac  Eaton, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

199 

Brandywine, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

32 

Montgomery, 

John  Thomas, 

2 

0 

0 

4 

0 

101 

Tulpehokin,*= 

Thomas  Jones, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

16 

Kingwood, 

David  Sutton, 

4 

0 

1 

0 

0 

79 

Southampton, 

William  Vanhorn, 

0 

1 

0 

2 

0 

50 

Philadelphia, 

Morgan  Edwards, 

3 

0 

0 

4 

0 

146 

Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

4 

0 

0 

1 

1 

126 

Horse  Neck,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

7 

Oyster  Bay,* 
Morristown, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

15 

Reune  Runyon, 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

40 

Knowltown,* 

Henry  Crosley, 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Baltimore, 

John  Davis, 

16 

0 

0 

5 

2 

132 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 

4 

4 

0 

1 

0 

64 

Salem, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

23 

Newtown, 

Nicholas  Cox, 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

29 

Bateman's  Precincts, 

Samuel  Waldo, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

113 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Heaton, 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

41 

New  York, 

John  Gauo, 

4 

1 

0 

1 

0 

147 

New  Mills, 

David  Branson, 

10 

0 

0 

0 

0 

55 

Konoloway, 

Joseph  Powell, 

8 

2 

0 

0 

0 

39 

Coram, 

Noah  Hammond, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

31 

Croswicks, 

David  Jones, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

42 

Mount  Bethel, 

Henry  Crosley, 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

31 

Goshen, 

James  Benedict, 

6 

1 

0 

0 

2 

66 

Lyon's  Farms, 

Reune  Runyon, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

20 

Philip's  Patent,* 

Simon  Dakin, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

65 

Pittsgrove, 

William  Worth, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

24 

Manahawkin, 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

11 

Vincent, 

John  Blackwell, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

52 

Tuckahoe, 

James  Sutton, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

17 

Northern  Liberty, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

16 

93 

17 

2 

44 

8 

2449 

N.   B.    The   churches  marked  thus   *    sent  no  messengers ;   their  numbers 
remain  as  they  were  last  year.     Increase  this  year,  eighty-two. 


MINUTES 

or   THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION, 

MET  AT  NEW  YORK,  OCTOBER  13tH,  14tH,  AND  15tH, 

1772. 


The  Association  sermon  was  preached  by  our  respected  brother  In 
the  ministry,  Abel  Morgan,  from  Eph.  iii.  3.  Brother  Abel  Morgan 
was  chosen  moderator,  and  James  Manning,  clerk.  Letters  were 
read  from  the  following  churches,  and  messengers  came  from  the 
most  of  them,  viz  : 

Pennepek,  Samuel  Jones  ;  Middletown,  Abel  Morgan,  James 
Grover,  Richard  Crawford,  and  Joseph  Stillwell ;  Piscataqua,  Isaac 
Stelle ;  Cohansie,  Joseph  Shepherd ;  Hopewell,  John  Stout  and 
Stephen  Barton  ;  Brandy  wine  and  Kingwood,  Andrew  Bray  ;  South- 
ampton, William  Vanhorn  and  Joseph  Hart ;  Philadelphia,  Ezekicl 
Bobbins  ;  Scotch  Plains,  Benjamin  Miller  and  Abraham  Hampton ; 
Oyster  Bay,  Henry  Ludlum ;  Morristown,  Reune  Runyon  and  John 
Brookfield  ;  Baltimore,  New  Britain,  and  Salem,  Abel  Griffith  ;  New- 
town, Nicholas  Cox  and  Hezekiah  Smith;  Bateman's  Precincts, 
Samuel  Waldo  and  Agrippa  Martin  ;  Dividing  Creek  and  New  York, 
John  Gano,  Isaac  Skilman,  Samuel  Edmonds,  and  John  Carman  ; 
Coram,  Noah  Hammond ;  Croswicks,  David  Jones  and  Thomas 
Farr  ;  Mount  Bethel,  Henry  Crosley ;  Goshen,  James  Benedict  and 
Philip  Ketchara  ;  Lyon's  Farms,  Timothy  Hughes  and  Ichabod  Grum- 
mond ;  Philip's  Patent,  Simon  Dakin  ;  Pittsgrove  and  Manahawkin, 
Daniel  Prine ;  Tuckalioe,  and  the  second  church  in  Philadelphia. 

Letters  were  read  from  the  Associations  in  Virginia,  Warren,  New- 
port, and  South  Carolina. 

A  letter  from  the  second  Baptist  church  in  New  York  was  read, 
requesting  admission  into  the  Association.  Objections  being  made  by 
the  first  church  in  the  city  against  receiving  it,  on  account  of  diffi- 
culties subsisting  between  the  two  churches,  they  were  advised  to 
call  the  aid  of  some  sister  churches  to  assist  in  settling  them.  Ac- 
cordingly, they  chose  our  brethren,  Benjamin  Miller,  Gabriel  Ogden, 
Isaac  Stelle,  Samuel  Waldo,  and  Reune  Runyon,  who  are  to  meet 
the  Tuesday  after  the  third  Lord's  day  in  November,  to  attend  on 
that  business. 

A  letter  was  read  from  the  church  at  Philip's  Patent,  Cortland's 

(123) 


124  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Manor,  and  Salem,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Brother  John  Law- 
rence, which  desh-ed  to  be  received  into  the  Association.  Their 
request  was  granted. 

"  We,  the  church  of  Christ  at  Tuckahoe,  in  the  township  of  Great 
Egg  Harbor,  county  of  Gloucester,  and  province  of  New  Jersey, 
holding  believer's  baptism  by  immersion  only,  the  doctrine  of  election, 
laying  on  of  hands,  final  perseverance  of  the  saints  in  grace, — send 
greeting. 

"To  the  annual  Association  met  at  New  York,  October  15th, 
1772 : — Wishing  mercy,  peace  and  a  comfortable  stay  together,  we 
would  inform  you  as  followeth.  We  are  destitute,  no  minister  being 
settled  amongst  us  at  present ;  but,  through  the  goodness  of  God, 
we  have  had  considerable  supplies  from  the  churches  at  Dividing 
Creek  and  Cape  May.  We  consist  of  twenty-three  members  at  the 
present.  We  have  dismissed  one  this  year  by  letter,  and  received 
one  by  letter.  Four  of  the  above-mentioned  members  were  baptized 
and  received  in  the  present  year.  We  are  in  sweet  harmony  amongst 
ourselves.  We  have  not  sent  any  messenger  with  our  letter,  by  rea- 
son that  the  Association  is  at  so  great  a  distance  from  us. 
"  From  yours,  &c., 

"  William  Golding,  and  others." 

The  relation  of  the  conduct  of  the  church  at  Bateman's  Precincts, 
by  Brother  Waldo,  respecting  the  excommunication  of  Henry  Daw- 
son, was  heard  and  approved. 

The  thanks  of  the  Association  were  returned  to  brother  Morgan 
Edwards,  for  his  services  in  travelling  and  visiting  the  churches  to 
the  southward ;  and  the  interest  of  the  Association  fund,  for  the  last 
year,  voted  him,  together  with  £Q  more,  made  up  by  the  brethren 
present,  and  sent  him  by  Mr.  Samuel  Jones. 

Thursday  morning  being  appointed  by  the  first  Baptist  church  in 
this  city  for  the  ordination  of  Brother  Isaac  Skilman  to  the  work  of 
the  gospel  ministry,  it  was  attended  by  fasting  and  prayer,  and  a 
sermon  preached  by  Brother  James  Manning,  on  the  Commission, 
from  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  Then  the  person  was  ordained  by  Messrs. 
John  Gano,  Abel  Morgan,  and  Isaac  Stelle ;  and  the  charge  given 
by  Mr.  Miller. 

The  churches  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  have  collected,  the 
last  year,  <£3  proclamation,  each,  for  the  Association  fund. 

A  certificate  was  given  to  Brother  David  Jones,  who  intends  to 
visit  the  western  tribes  of  Indians  the  next  winter,  to  ascertain  his 
good  standing  with  us.  Also,  at  his  request,  a  motion  was  made  to 
recommend  his  case  to  the  respective  churches,  as  he  must  be  at  the 
expense  of  paying  his  interpreter  £5  per  month ;  and  the  contribu- 
tion made  to  be  sent  by  their  messengers  to  the  next  Association. 
If  not  wanted,  the  money  will  be  returned  to  the  donors. 

The  people  at  Woolwich,  in  Gloucester,  requesting  to  be  constitu- 
ted into  a  church,  and  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Locke,  were  advised 
from  the  smallness  of  their  number,  as  appears  by  their  letter,  to 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  125 

join  themselves  as  a  branch  to  a  neighboring  church,  until  it  shall 
please  the  Lord  to  add  to  their  number. 

The  next  Association  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  the  Tuesday 
after  the  second  Lord's  daj,  in  October.  The  Sermon  to  be 
preached  bj  Brother  Morgan  Edwards ;  or,  in  case  of  failure,  by 
Brother  Samuel  Jones. 

Supplies  were  requested  for  the  church  under  the  care  of  brother 
David  Jones,  and  the  following  agreed  upon  : — Samuel  Jones,  second 
Lord's  day  in  November,  at  Upper  Freehold  ;  Nicholas  Cox,  third 
at  Upper,  and  fourth  at  Lower  Freehold ;  Abel  Morgan,  the  second 
in  December,  and  second  in  February,  at  Upper  Freehold  ;  Abel 
Griffith,  first  in  January,  at  Upper,  and  second  at  Lower  Freehold ; 
Robert  Kelsay,  second  in  March,  at  Upper,  Benjamin  Miller,  fourth 
of  March,  at  Lower  Freehold. 

The  following  are  the  supplies  for  Hopewell : — November,  the 
fourth  Lord's  day,  Mr.  Gano  ;  March,  second,  Mr.  Griffith  ;  February, 
third,  Mr.  Vanhorn ;  December,  fourth,  Mr.  Crosly ;  March,  fourth, 
Mr.  Miller ;  June,  fourth,  David  Jones  ;  last  in  May,  ]Mr.  Bunyon  ; 
July,  second,  Mr.  Kelsay;  April,  fourth,  Mr.  Ward;  July,  fourth, 
Messrs.  Samuel  Jones  and  Gano. 

For  Manahawkin : — January,  first  and  second  Lord's  day,  Mr. 
Crosly  ;  May,  fourth,  Mr.  Miller ;  July,  third,  Mr.  Kelsay  ;  August, 
fourth,  David  Jones. 

For  Lyon's  Farms  : — December,  the  second  Lord's  day,  Mr.  Mil- 
ler ;  February,  the  first,  Mr.  Crosly  ;  last  in  March,  Mr.  Stelle ; 
Api'il,  first,  and  August,  first,  Mr.  Runyon  ;  Mr. Ward,  May,  first,  and 
second  in  August. 

For  Oyster  Bay  : — Mr.  Hammond ;  June,  second,  Mr.  Lawrence  ; 
March,  fourth,  Mr.  Gano  ;  May,  third,  Mr.  Stelle  ;  August,  fourth, 
Mr.  Ward  ;  November,  third,  Mr.  Runyon. 

The  following  supplies,  in  consequence  of  a  request,  for  Nesha- 
mony  : — Mr.  John  Thomas,  June,  the  fourth  Lord's  day,  and  Sep- 
tember, fourth  ;  Mr.  Samuel  Jones,  November,  fourth,  and  July, 
fourth  ;  Mr.  Joshua  Jones,  March,  fourth,  and  August,  fourth  ;  Mr. 
Vanhorn,  October,  fourth,  and  April,  fourth  ;  January,  fourth,  Mr. 
Blackwell. 

Letters  were  sent  to  the  Associations  of  W^arren,  Virginia,  South 
Carolina,  and  Newport,  Rhode  Island. 

PASTOKAL  ADDRESS. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  Baptist  churches  in  Pennsylvania, 
the  Jerseys,  and  provinces  adjacent,  met  in  annual  Association  in 
the  city  of  New  York,  October  13,  14,  and  15,  1772. 

To  the  several  churches  we  respectively  relate  unto,  send  our 
Christian  salutation. 

Dear  Brethren, — Through  divine  favor,  we  had  the  happiness  to 
meet  together,  according  to  appointment,  and  enjoy  this  annual 
interview  with  much  love.  The  solemnity  was  opened  by  a  sermon  from 


126  MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Eph.  iii.  8,  preached  by  our  worthy  Brother  Abel  Morgan,  wherein 
the  unsearchable  riches  of  grace  in  a  glorious  Redeemer,  the  gospel 
minister's  directory  in  the  discharge  of  his  office ;  together  with  the 
glory  and  excellency  of  the  New  Testament  dispensation,  were  opened 
and  enforced  with  much  clearness  and  fervor. 

By  the  letters  and  messengers,  we  find  that  a  comfortable  degree 
of  unity  subsists  in  the  several  churches;  and  that  additions  have 
been  made  to  the  most  of  them,  of  such  as  we  hope  shall  be  saved ; 
for  which  we  desire  to  join  with  you  in  giving  glory  to  the  head  of 
the  church,  who  still  continues  to  walk  among  the  golden  candlesticks. 
Nevertheless,  too  evident  it  is,  that  lukewarmness  and  indifference 
too  much  abound,  while  the  love  of  many  waxeth  cold,  whereby  our 
divine  Redemer  is  wounded  in  the  house  of  his  friends.  For  this,  be- 
loved, we  have  reason  to  be  humbled  before  God,  and  to  weep  between 
the  porch  and  the  altar. 

Our  consultations  have  been  in  much  love  and  unity,  while  many 
particulars  of  weight  and  general  concern  have  been  duly  attended  to ; 
noAV,  at  the  close,  we  have  reason  to  bless  God,  in  humble  confidence, 
that  our  meetino;  together  has  been  for  the  better,  and  not  for  the 
worse. 

Before  we  part,  you  will  suffer  us  to  address  you  in  the  spirit  of 
meekness,  while  we  remind  you  of  these  few  necessary  things.  Ne- 
glect not  the  assembling  of  yourselves  together,  as  the  manner  of  too 
many  is ;  see  that  your  conversation  be  as  becometh  the  gospel  of 
Christ ;  maintain  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace  ;  labor 
ever  to  live  under  the  inflence  of  the  love  of  God  shed  abroad  in 
your  hearts ;  neglect  not  family  worship  and  closet  devotion ;  give 
diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  election  sure;  let  it  be  your 
greatest  care  to  grow  in  grace  and  abound,  in  every  good  word  and 
work ;  endeavor  to  walk  exemplary  before  all  men ;  do  all  that  in 
you  lieth  to  suppress  the  growth  of  vice  and  immorality,  and  in  par- 
ticular, Ave  earnestly  recommend  it  to  you  to  keep  a  watchful  eye  over 
the  morals  of  the  youth  committed  to  your  care,  that  they  may  be 
brought  up  in  the  nurture  and  fear  of  the  Lord;  be  zealous  for  the 
truth,  strict  in  discipline,  and  careful  of  admitting  members  into 
your  churches ;  strengthen  the  hands,  and  encourage  the  hearts  of 
your  ministers,  and  promote  their  visiting  destitute  places.  If  there 
be  the  appearance  of  promising  gifts  among  you,  let  such  be  for- 
warded, and  pray  to  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  would 
send  forth  many  faithful  laborers  into  the  vineyard,  for  truly  the  har- 
vest is  great,  while  the  laborers  are  but  few.  Finally,  brethren,  add 
to  your  faith,  virtue ;  and  to  virtue,  knowledge ;  and  to  knowledge, 
temperance ;  and  to  temperance,  patience  ;  and  to  patience,  godli- 
liness ;  and  to  godliness,  brotherly  kindness;  and  to  brotherly  kind- 
ness, charity ;  that  so  you  may  be  fruitful,  and  abound  to  the  glory 
of  God :  to  whom,  and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  we  commend  you. 
Amen. 

Abel  Morgan,  Moderator. 
James  Manning,  Clerk. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


127 


STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 


MINISTERS. 


Pennepek, 
Middletown, 
Piscataqua, 
Cohansie, 
Welsh  Tract  * 
Great  Valley,* 
Cape  j\Iay,* 
Hopewell, 
Brandywine, 
Montgomery,* 
Tulpehokin,* 
Kingwood, 
Southampton, 
Philadelphia, 
Scotch  Plains, 
Horse  Neck,* 
Oyster  Bay, 
Morristown, 
Knowltown,* 
Baltimore, 
New  Britain,* 
Salem, 
Newtown, 

Bateman's  Precincts, 
Dividing  Creek, 
New  York, 
New  Mills,* 
Konoloway,* 
Coram, 
Croswicks, 
Mount  Bethel, 
Goshen, 
Lyon's  Farms, 
Philip's  Patent, 
Pittsgrove, 
Manahawkin, 
Vincent,* 
Tuckahoe, 
Northern  Liberty, 
Cortland's  Manor  and 
Salem, 


Samuel  Jones, 
Abel  Morgan, 
Isaac  Stelle, 
Robert  Kelsay, 
John  Sutton, 
John  Davis, 
P.  P.  Vanhorn, 


John  Thomas, 
Thomas  Jones, 
David  Sutton, 
William  Vanhorn, 
William  Rogers, 
Benjamin  Miller, 


Reune  Runyon, 

John  Davis, 
Joshua  "Jones, 
Abel  Griffiths, 
Nicholas  Cox, 
Samuel  Waldo, 
Samuel  Ileaton, 
John  Gano, 
David  Branson, 
Joseph  Powell, 
Noah  Hammond, 
David  Jones, 
Henry  Crosly, 
James  Benedict, 

Simon  Dakin, 
William  Worth, 


John  Lawrence, 


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0 

64 

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0 

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2588 

Increase  this  year,  139. 

N.  B.  The  churches  marked  thus  *  sent  no  messengers  ;  their  numbers  re- 
main as  they  were  last  year. 


MINUTES 

OF   THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  12tH,  13tH;  AND  14tH. 

1773. 


This  year  the  Association  met  at  Philadelpliia,  October  12th,  and 
began  at  3  o'clock,  p.  M.,  as  usual,  with  divine  service.  The  sermon 
by  our  brother,  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  from  Num.  xxiii.  9 ;  who, 
after  observing,  that  "standing  alone  and  unreckoned  among  the 
nations"  meant  a  religious  "singularity;"  and  comparing  his  text 
with  the  king  of  Moab's  sense  of  it,  chap.  xxiv.  10,  advanced  this 
doctrinal  point,  and  exemplified  it  in  the  case  of  the  Baptists  from 
the  beginning  of  Christianity  to  the  present  time.  "  Standing  alone 
and  unnumbered  with  any  religious  society,  is,  in  some  supposable 
cases,  a  commendable  and  blessed  thing."  Those  who  have  solicited 
a  copy  of  the  sermon  for  the  press,  will  be  gratified  when  all  the 
Association  sermons  come  to  be  printed. 

2.  After  divine  service,  Brother  John  Gano  was  chosen  moderator, 
and  Brother  Morgan  Edwards,  clerk.  Letters  from  forty-two  churches 
were  read,  and  the  names  of  the  messengers  enrolled. 

3.  A  letter  from  the  Warren  Association  was  read,  whereby  it  ap- 
pears that  three  churches  joined  them,  with  an  increase  of  one  hun- 
dred and  four  members ;  that  the  oppression  of  the  Baptists  in  Mas- 
sachusetts continues ;  the  paragraph  relating  to  this  follows  :  "  Our 
sufi'erings  in  Boston  government  on  religious  accounts  still  continue 
in  several  places ;  a  particular  narrative  of  which  is  to  be  printed, 
with  a  fair  representation  of  the  treatment  which  the  Baptists  have 
met  with  in  said  government  in  time  past." 

4.  A  letter  from  the  Congaree  Association,  in  South  Carolina,  was 
read,  soliciting  the  continuance  of  our  correspondence,  and  exhibiting 
the  state  of  their  churches,  whereby  it  appears  that  there  was  a  great 
increase  among  them ;  but  the  number  is  not  specified.  Next  year 
they  promise  to  be  more  exact. 

5.  Also  a  letter  from  Quekuky  Association,  in  North  Carolina, 
thanking  us  for  our  care  in  sending  messengers  among  them ;  exhi- 
biting the  state  of  their  churches,  and  soliciting  the  continuance  of 

a28) 


MINUTES   or  THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  129 

correspondence  and  missions.     The  increase  of  members  tliis  year 
among  them  is  two  hundred  and  seventy-five. 

6.  No  letter  from  Sandy  Creek  Association,  in  the  same  province, 
nor  from  the  Rapidanne  Association,  in  A^irginia.  A  letter  was  pre- 
pared by  the  Ketokton  Association,  and  Rev.  Richard  Major  ap- 
pointed messenger.  By  some  means  the  letter  came  not  to  hand ; 
but  the  messenger  informs  us  of  a  very  great  increase  among  them, 
with  the  addition  of  three  churches  to  their  Association.  No  letter 
from  the  Charleston  Association,  in  South  Carolina.  But  as  letters 
and  a  messenger  are  sent  to  each,  we  hope  to  have  it  in  our  power 
next  year  to  gratify  the  churches  with  the  state  of  their  brethren  to 
the  southward. 

7.  The  second  church  of  New  York  applying  for  admission,  and 
Bome  obstacles  appearing  in  the  way,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
meet  at  New  York,  November  8th,  to  inspect  into  the  matter ;  and, 
if  the  obstacles  could  be  removed,  to  receive  said  church  into  union,  in 
the  name  and  behalf  of  the  Association.  The  persons  appointed  are 
Rev.  Messrs.  Benjamin  Miller,  Isaac  Stelle,  and  Alderman  Stites. 

8.  The  case  of  Mr.  Henry  Dawson,  late  of  London,  but  now  of 
Newport,  Rhode  Island,  came  before  the  Association. 

Agreed,  That  Messrs.  Samuel  Jones,  David  Jones,  David  Sutton, 
Henry  Williams,  and  Joseph  Hart,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the 
matter,  and  make  their  report. 

They  met,  and  reported  as  follows :  "  As  it  doth  appear  to  us  that 
the  said  Henry  Dawson  hath  deposited  all  his  substance  in  a  safe 
hand  for  the  benefit  of  his  creditors,  and  otherwise  manifested  a  suita- 
ble inclination,  and  endeavors,  to  the  utmost  of  his  abilities,  to  pay 
and  discharge  his  debts,  we  are  of  opinion  that  any  minute  or  record, 
formerly  made  by  this  Association  respecting  him,  should  and  ought 
to  become  null  and  void,  as  if  the  same  had  not  been  made. 

The  Association  agreed  thereto,  and  the  records  were  made 
void. 

N.  B.  The  reason  of  our  having  -to  do  with  Mr.  Dawson  was  that, 
till  of  late,  he  professed  himself  to  be  a  First-day  Baptist,  but  now 
is  in  the  observance  of  the  Seventh  day. 

'  9.  A  letter  from  a  company  of  people  at  Oyster  Bay,  on  Long 
Island,  was  read,  requesting  help  in  their  present  difficulties. 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Benjamin  Miller,  John  Lawrence,  John 
Gano,  Isaac  Stelle,  Ebenezer  Ward,  Henry  Williams,  and  John 
Stites,  do  meet  at  said  Oyster  Bay,  the  10th  of  November,  to  give 
them  the  help  they  requested,  and  also  to  provide  supplies  for  them 
this  year. 

10.  A  petition  from  a  certain  number  of  well  disposed  persons  at 
Cowmarsh,  in  Kent,  was  attended  to,  and  the  following  supplies  pro- 
vided for  them  : — Fourth  Sunday  in  November,  Rev.  John  Blackwell ; 
second  in  April,  Rev.  William  Worth ;  last  in  May,  Rev.  P.  Peter- 
son Vanhorn  ;  last  in  July,  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards ;  the  fourth  in 
September,  Rev.  Robert  Kelsay. 

17 


130  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

11.  An  answer  to  a  query  from  the  Great  Yalley,  to  be  sent  with 
their  letter. 

12.  The  money  brought  in  by  the  church  of  Cape  May,  Salem, 
and  Croswick,  for  the  use  of  our  suifering  brethren  being  remanded  : 
ordered,  that  Treasurer  Wescott  deliver  said  money  to  their  messen- 
gers, and  the  rest  to  the  other  churches,  if  demanded  by  their 
messengers. 

13.  Agreed,  that  Messrs.  Rogers  and  Vanhorn  shall  write  the 
circular  letter ;  and  Messrs.  Jones  and  Edwards  write  to  the  Asso- 
ciations corresponding  or  to  correspond  with  us.  Also,  that  Brother 
Abel  Morgan  do,  against  next  Association,  consider  a  plan,  and  pre- 
sent a  specimen  of  a  circular  letter  to  be  addressed  to  the  churches. 

Agreeable  to  a  request  in  the  letter  from  New  York,  our  ministers 
were  pressed  to  visit  the  brethren  at  Pigskill,  in  New  York  govern- 
ment ;  and  at  Stamford,  in  Connecticut. 

14.  The  usefulness  of  a  travelling  minister  on  this  continent  ap- 
pearing more  manifest  by  trials,  and  Brother  Morgan  Edwards  de- 
clining the  office,  it  was  agreed,  that  Brother  John  Gano  be  a  messen- 
ger of  the  churches  for  this  year  ;  and  that  the  treasurer  do  pay  him 
the  interest  of  the  Association  fund,  to  help  defraying  his  expenses. 

15.  Agreeable  to  a  petition  from  the  church  of  Newmills,  the  fol- 
lowing supplies  were  provided  for  them,  as  they  are  destitute,  occa- 
sioned by  the  excommunication  of  their  late  minister,  Mr.  David 
Branson,  of  whom  the  churches  should  be  aware : — Fourth  Sunday 
in  December,  Rev.  Samuel  Jones;  second  in  February,  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Worth ;  fourth  in  March,  Rev.  David  Jones ;  first  in  April, 
Rev.  P.  Peterson  Vanhorn ;  fourth  in  June,  Rev.  Robert  Ivelsay ; 
third  in  August,  Rev.  Ebenezer  Ward ;  fourth  in  September,  Rev. 
Samuel  Jones ;  fourth  in  October,  Rev.  William  Vanhorn. 

16.  The  following  supplies  are  provided  for  Hopewell  church : — 
Fourth  Sunday  in  October,  Rev.  John  Blackwell;  fourth  in  Novem- 
ber, Rev.  Nicholas  Cox;  first  in  February,  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards; 
third  and  fourth  in  February,  Rev.  William  Worth ;  second  in  April, 
P.  Peterson  Vanhorn  ;  fourth  in  May,  Rev.  Samuel  Jones ;  fourth  in 
June,  Rev.  William  Rogers ;  fourth  in  July,  Rev.  David  Jones ;  second 
in  August,  Rev.  Ebenezer  Ward;  fourth  in  October,  Rev.  John 
Blackwell. 

17.  Agreeable  to  a  petition  from  the  church  of  Kingwood,  their 
case  was  considered  ;  and  Brother  Abel  Morgan  appointed  to  write 
to  them.     The  letter  is  as  follows : 

"  Beloved  brethren, — Whereas  you  have,  in  your  letter,  informed 
the  Association  that  you  are  not  agreed  among  yourselves  about  the 
genuine  sense  of  that  place  of  Scripture,  John  xiii.,  relati;re  to  wash- 
ing the  saints'  feet ;  and  also  request  the  Association  to  give  you 
their  opinion  of  it.  The  Association,  taking  the  same  into  considera- 
tion, are  not  so  happy  as  to  be  universally  agreed  themselves  in  the 
point,  so  as  to  give  you  the  fixed  determined  sense  of  the  words ;  and 
not  choosing  at  present  to  enter  into  disputes  upon  the  subject,  they 


MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


131 


thouglit  proper  to  choose  I  should  write  you  a  line  upon  the  occasion, 
desiring  (which  is  also  my  earnest  desire)  you  to  avoid  all  unbecom- 
ing heats,  perverse  disputings,  contentions,  hard  thoughts,  and  evil 
speaking  among  yourselves  on  this  account ;  but  rather  to  forbear 
with  one  another  in  love,  that  though  you  cannot  see  alike  in  all 
things,  yet  you  would  still  follow  the  things  that  make  for  peace; 
for  hereunto  were  ye  called.  Endeavor  to  keep  the  unity  of  the 
Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.  Let  not  those  who  are  bound  in  con- 
science to  practice  it,  condemn  those  who  are  not  convinced  it  is  a 
duty ;  nor  those  who  cannot  see  it  a  duty,  despise  those  who  are  for 
practising  it.  Let  all  things,  brethren,  be  done  among  you  to  edi- 
fication. Unity  is  the  great  design  God  hath  in  view  to  accomplish, 
Eph.  i.  10.  Unity  among  God's  people  is  that  which  the  devil  hates, 
and  labors  to  destroy,  who  is  the  sower  of  discord  among  brethren. 

"With  my  hearty  desire  for  your  prosperity,  I  am  yours, 

"Abel  Morgan. 

"Philadelphia,  October  14,  1773." 

18.  Agreed,  that  by  reason  of  the  distances  of  several  of  our  sis- 
ter churches  to  the  eastward,  the  Association  should  meet  twice  in 
the  year  ;  once  at  New  York,  on  the  Wednesday  after  the  fourth 
Lord's  day  in  May,  at  3  o'clock,  for  the  conveniency  of  said  eastern 
churches ;  and  at  Philadelphia,  on  Wednesday  after  the  second 
Lord's  day  in  October.  The  sermon  to  be  preached,  at  New  York, 
by  llev-  Samuel  Jones,  or,  in  case  of  failure,  by  Rev.  Abel  Morgan ; 
that  at  Philadelpha  by  Rev.  Isaac  Stelle,  or,  in  case  of  failure,  by 
Rev.  William  Rogers. 

19.  Pursuant  to  a  petition  from  Lyon's  Farms,  the  following  sup- 
plies were  obtained  for  them  : — Third  Sunday  in  November,  Rev. 
Nicholas  Cox ;  last  Sunday  in  December,  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards, 
who  is  to  be  at  Piscataqua  the  Friday  before,  at  12  o'clock;  fourth 
in  May,  Rev.  Ebenezer  Ward. 

20.  The  Association  fund  being  again  recommended,  the  following 
donations  were  added  this  year : 


Church  of  Philadelphia, 
Church  of  York, 
Church  of  New  Britain, 
Church  of  Pennepek, 


£ 

s. 

d. 

4 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

7 

6 

0 

12 

9 

£  s.  d. 

Church  of  Montgomery,       0  7  9 

Rev.  David  Jones,                  0  7  6 

Mr.  Hugh  Glasford,               0  8  0 


In  all,  .£8  3s.  3d.,  which  increased  the  capital  to  .£118  14s.  5d. 

21.  Voted,  That  ,£18  arising  from  Mrs.  Hubb's  donation,  be  equally 
divided  between  Messrs.  Peter  Smith  and  Thomas  Gier ;  they  giving 
the  usual  obligations  to  the  trustees. 

22.  Voted,  that  Messrs.  John  Gano  and  William  Vanhorn  be  our 
messengers  to  the  Warren  Association ;  and  to  the  southern  Asso- 
ciations Mr.  Gano  only. 


132  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

PASTORAL  LETTER. 

The  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  congrega- 
tions in  Pennsylvania,  the  Jerseys,  and  provinces  adjacent,  met  in 
annual  Association  at  Philadelphia,  October  12th,  13th,  and  14th, 
1773. 

To  the  several  churches  we  respectively  relate  unto,  send  Chris- 
tian salutation. 

Much  esteemed  brethren, — Almighty  God,  in  his  kind  providence, 
having  favored  us  with  another  anniversary  Association,  for  which  it 
surely  behoveth  us  to  call  upon  our  souls  and  all  that  is  within  us  to 
bless  and  praise  his  holy  and  reverend  name. 

Through  divine  goodness  we  met  in  peace,  and  preserved  love  and 
harmony.  We  have  (as  by  our  minutes  appears)  endeavored  so  to 
act,  that  the  great  Head  of  the  church  may  be  glorified,  and  much 
benefit  redound  to  the  several  branches  we  stand  respectively  related 
unto.  The  particular  accounts  transmitted  in  many  of  your  letters, 
together  with  those  of  other  Associations,  are  truly  very  refreshing. 
Oh,  help  us  to  magnify  the  Lord  for  his  rich  favors  and  tender  mer- 
cies, which  are  over  all  his  works  ! 

But,  alas,  that  usual  complaint  of  deadness  and  lukewarmness 
in  the  things  of  religion,  still  prevails.  It  is  much  to  be  lamented 
that  vital  piety,  in  many  places,  decays,  for  the  revival  of  which  we 
have  thought  meet  to  appoint  four  days  in  the  year  ensuing  as  days 
of  fasting  and  united  prayer  and  supplication  at  the  throne  of  grace, 
viz  :  the  Fridays  after  the  fourth  Lord's  days  in  November,  Febru- 
ary, May,  and  August.  Prayer,  you  are  sensible,  has  done  wonders  ; 
it  is  the  very  breath  of  the  new  creature  ;  yea,  it  is  a  command  from 
Christ  himself,  "Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you,  &c."  Matt.  vii.  7,  8. 
Moreover,  for  our  encouragement,  let  us  remember,  that  if  any  two 
or  three  of  us  shall  agree  to  petition  for  any  thing  in  the  name  of  Jesus, 
it  shall  be  granted  unto  us. 

We  entreat  you,  therefore,  unitedly  to  assemble  together,  and  to  be 
instant  with  the  Lord  in  prayer,  wrestling  with  him  for  his  blessing, 
and  those  measures  of  his  Spirit  and  grace,  whereby  our  souls  may 
be  quickened,  and  religion  more  and  more  revived  in  our  land. 

John  Gano,  Moderator, 
Morgan  Edwards,  Secretary. 

*^*  The  following  books  may  be  had  of  Mr.  Samuel  Davis,  Hatter,  at  the 
corner  of  Christ  Church  Alley,  in  Third  street,  viz  :  "  Baptist  Confessions  of 
Faith,"  Is.  Id. ;  "  Norcott  on  Baptism,"  4d. ;  "  Catechisms,"  3d. ;  "  Materials 
towards  a  history  of  the  Baptists,  4s.,  unbound,  3s.  "  Customs  of  Primitive 
Churches,"  3s.  9d.  ;  Stennett's  Sermons,"  20s. 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


133 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS   AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
THE  STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  FOR  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS 

t 
p. 

(8 

1.3 

1  i 

1  Excom.     1 
Members. 

Pennepek, 

(  Samuel  Jones,  A.  M. 

I  Alexander  Edwards,  Esq., 

6 

4 

1    0 

0      63 

Middletown, 

Abel  Morgan,  A.  M., 

2 

0 

0    0 

0    142 

Piscataqua, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

2 

1 

0    2 

2      72 

Cohansie, 

f  Robert  Kelsay, 
<  Philip  Shepherd, 
(  David  Bowen, 

0 

2 

2    4 

0      79 

Welsh  Tract, 

f  John  Sutton, 
1  Hugh  Glasford, 

22 

1 

2    4 

3    129 

Great  Valley, 

(  John  Davis, 
<  Thomas  Jones, 
(James  Davis, 

0 

6 

2    2 

2      72 

Cape  May, 
Hopewell, 

Brandywine, 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
f 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0    0 
0    3 
0    0 

1      61 
0    191 
0      29 

\  John  Stout, 
(David  Stout, 
f 

}  Robert  M'Kim, 
(James  Shields, 

Montgomery, 

C  John  Thomas, 
<  Elijah  Davis, 
(  James  Morgan, 

6 

2 

1    1 

0    103 

Tulpehokin,f 

Thomas  Jones, 

0 

0 

0    0 

0      16 

Kingwood, 

f  David  Suttor, 

<  Andrew  Bray,  Esq., 

[  Elcana  Holmes, 

3 

1 

0    1 

0      80 

Southampton, 

William  Vanhorn, 
Joseph  Hart,  Esq., 

11 

0 

1    2 

0      63 

Philadelphia, 

f  William  Rogers,  A.  M., 
■<  George  Wescott, 
(  Samuel  Davis, 

15 

3 

3    4 

5    172 

Cranberry, 

0 

0 

3    1 

3      24 

Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

2 

0 

5    2    ( 

3    122 

Horse  Neck,t 
Oyster  Bay, 

0 

6 

0    ( 
0    ( 

3    0    ( 
3    1    ( 

3        7 
)      20 

( 

\  William  Roe, 

Morristown, 

Renue  Runyon,=* 

4 

6    t 

2    0    ( 

)      49 

Knovrlton,f 
Baltimore, 

0 

12 

0  ( 

1  J 

)    0    ( 
L    6    ( 

)      41 

f  John  Davis, 
( David  Lane, 

J              Tt  J. 

)    140 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 
David  Evans, 

1 

0  t 

)    4    ( 

)      56 

Salem, 

f  Abel  Griffiths,* 
•<  John  Holmes,  Esq., 
(  Edward  Keasby,  Esq., 

1 

0    ( 

)    0    C 

24 

134 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


Newtown, 

Bateman's  Precincts, 
Dividing  Creek, 

New  York, 

New  Mills, 

Konoloway, 
Coram,f 

Croswicks, 

Mount  Bethel, 

Goshen, 

Lyon's  Farms, 

Philip's  Patent, 

Pittsgrove, 
Manahawkin,t 

Vincent, 

Tuckahoe,! 
Northern  Liberty, 


(Nicholas  Cox, 
Peter  Smith, 
Evy  Adams, 
Samuel  Waldo,* 

(Samuel  Heaton,* 
David  Shepherd, 
William  Newcomb, 
f  John  Gano, 
I  Henry  AYilliams, 


<  Samuel  Gaskill, 
(  Peter  Lane, 

Joseph  Powell, 

Noah  Hamiiond,"^ 

f  David  Jones, 
\  Caleb  Carman, 

Abner  Sutton, 

f  James  Benedict,* 
( Philip  Ketcham, 

I  Ichabod  Grummon, 

C  Simon  Dattkin,* 

<  Ebenezer  Ward, 
(  John  Lawrence, 

f  Wildiam  Worth, 
I  David  ElweU, 


■<  David  Thomas, 
(John  Griffiths, 

William  Lock,* 


roseph  Bull, 


ri 

"o. 

II 

P 

3 

n 

1 

5 

o 

M 
I 

49 

0 

1 

0 

0 

67 

2 

0 

0 

3 

1 

108 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

39 

13 

0 

5 

1 

0 

171 

0 

0 

0 

2 

1 

55 

5 

2 

3 

0 

0 

39 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

31 

4 

0 

0 

2 

0 

44 

0 

2 

6 

0 

0 

28 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

22 

10 

0 

0 

0 

1 

81 

7 

3 

0 

1 

0 

38 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

12 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

57 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

17 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

15 

190 

35 

40 

46 

14 

2585 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  in  small  captals.  Those  marked  thus  *  not  pre- 
sent. The  Churches  marked  thus  f  sent  neither  letters  nor  messengers,  and  their 
numbers  remain  as  last  year.     A  dash  ■ denotes  no  minister. 


MINUTES 

or   THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  NEW  YORK,  MAY  25tH. 

1774. 


New  York,  May  25. — At  3  o'clock,  the  Association  began,  as 
usual,  with  Divine  service.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  our 
brother,  Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  from  Matth.  v.  16. 

2.  After  Divine  service.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  was  chosen  mode- 
rator, and  Brother  William  Rogers,  clerk.  Letters  from  several 
churches  were   read,  and  the  names  of  the  messengers  enrolled. 

3.  Adjourned. — Sermon  in  the  evening  by  our  brother,  Rev.  Abel 
Morgan. 

4.  Thursday,  May  26.  Met  at  8  o'clock,  and  after  prayer  proceeded 
to  business. 

5.  A  letter  from  Stanford  church  was  read,  desiring  admittance 
among,  and  union  with  us  ;  received  accordingly. 

6.  The  minutes  and  letters  from  Charleston  Association,  South 
Carolina,  were  read.  The  plan  adopted  by  them  respecting  Rhode 
Island  College  recommended  to  us.  Agreed  to  recommend  the  same 
to  the  churches  we  stand  respectively  related  unto ;  and  whoever 
shall  see  good  to  contribute,  the  money  so  gathered,  agreeable  to  the 
plan,  to  be  remitted  to  Colonel  Job  Bennet,  in  New  Port,  Rhode 
Island,  or  brought  unto  the  next  Association. 

7.  A  letter  from  the  Association  at  Little  River  and  Broad  River, 
South  Carolina,  was  read,  by  which  it  appears  that  sixty-six  joined 
them  by  baptism  the  year  past ;  their  number  of  members  six  hun- 
dred and  ninety-two.     Good  news  from  a  far  country. 

8.  A  motion  being  made,  that  Brother  John  Gano  should  give  an 
account  of  his  travels  to  the  southward :  he  accordingly  did,  by  which 
it  appears  he  has  been  indefatigable  in  his  labors,  and  that  a  minis- 
ter, travelling  annually,  according  to  the  plan  proposed,  may  answer 
very  valuable  purposes. 

9.  The  second  church  in  New  York  having  been  received  into 
the  Association  by  the  committee  appointed  last  Association,  they 
pre^iented  their  letters  and  messengers,  who  took  their  seats. 

10.  The  Association  of  ministers  and  elders,  from  the  several  Bap- 

(135) 


136  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

list  churclies,  met  at  Philadelphia,  October  12th,  1773,  thought  it  ex- 
pedient that  some  plan  of  the  general  letter  to  the  churches,  some- 
what different  from  the  usual  mode  of  addressing  them,  should  be 
considered  and  fixed  upon,  and  nominated  Brother  Abel  Morgan  to 
present  a  specimen  at  the  next  Association;  who,  considering  the 
case,  proposes  as  follows  : — 

I.  That  the  contents  of  the  general  letter  shall  consist  of  obser- 
vations and  improvements  of  some  particular  article  of  faith,  contained 
in  our  Confession,  beginning  with  the  first,  and  so  on  in  order,  unless 
occasion  require  the  contrary;  the  manner  and  improvement, 
whether  explanatory,  confirmatory,  consolatory,  or  by  questions 
and  answers,  to  be  concluded  by  the  writer.  Also,  that  a  brother 
be  nominated  beforehand,  to  prepare  against  the  next  meeting. 

II.  Let  diligent  care  be  used  to  caution  the  churches  against 
innovation  in  doctrine  and  practice,  and  to  watch  against  errors, 
and  avoid  them  wherever  they  rise,  and  by  whomsoever  they  may  be 
propagated. 

III.  That  suitable  endeavors  be  made  as  heretofore,  to  resolve  cases 
and  questions  proposed  by  the  churches,  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge, 
according  to  the  scripture. 

IV.  That  all  seasonable  counsel  and  advice  be  given  to  the  churches ; 
and,  as  occasion  may  require,  let  them  be  pressed  with  fervency  and 
convincing  arguments. 

V.  That  records  be  kept  of  all  the  copies  of  letters  sent  from,  and 
received  by,  the  Association. 

11.  Agreeable  to  a  petition  from  the  church  at  Lyon's  Farms,  sup- 
plies were  provided. 

12.  Supplies  were  also  provided  for  Oyster  Bay. 

13.  Agreed,  That  Brother  Samuel  Jones  prepare  the  general  let- 
ter against  next  Association. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  REV.  ABEL  MORGAN. 

The  Association  of  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  Bap- 
tist congregations  in  Pennsylvania,  and  the  neighboring  colonies,  met 
at  New  York,  May  25th,  1774. 

Send  our  Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  Brethren, — Whereas,  unity  in  judgment  (Eph.  iv.  12, 
13;  1  Cor.  i.  10),  and  growth  in  every  grace  (Eph.  iv.  15;  1  Thes. 
iv.  9.  10),  are  the  two  principal  ends  of  all  ministerial  means  and 
institutions  ;  whatever,  therefore,  directly  or  natively  tends  to  promote 
those  valuable  purposes,  is  hereby  manifested  to  be  good  and  right. 
The  meeting  of  churches  by  their  messengers  at  stated  seasons,  is 
esteemed  to  have  this  useful  tendency.  Such  meetings  ought  then, 
not  only  to  be  continued,  but  also  improved  to  the  utmost  for  ob- 
taining those  desirable  aforesaid  designs.  And  that  they  may  be 
more  so,  it  is  thought  expedient,  that  henceforth  the  contents  of  the 
general  letters  to  the  churches  consist  of  an  improvement  of  some 
article  of  our  Confession  of  faith,  following  the  order  therein  observed, 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  137 

unless  some  particular  requires  otherwise,  beginning  with  the  first, 
viz..  Of  the  Holy  Scriptures ;  which  are  contained  in  the  books  of 
the  Old  and  New  Testament,  as  in  our  said  adopted  Confession. — 
These  holy  writings  are  of  God,  divinely  inspired,  2  Tim.  iii.  16 ;  the 
word  of  God,  John  x.  36 ;  1  Cor.  xiv.  36,  37  ;  the  mind  of  Christ, 
1  Cor.  ii.  26;  of  Divine  authority,  Isa.  xl.  8;  the  infallible  ground 
of  faith  and  certain  rule  of  obedience,  Isa.  viii.  20 ;  full  and  com- 
plete in  all  its  parts,  historical,  doctrinal,  and  prophetical;  every 
way  useful  and  profitable :  e.  gr.  to  obtain  the  saving  knowledge  of  the 
one  only  living  and  true  God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  2  Tim. 
iii.  15 ;  the  knowledge  of  his  essential  attributes  and  immutable 
counsels,  Heb.  vi.  17  ;  also  of  his  works,  of  creation,  providence,  and 
•particularly  of  redemption  by  Jesus  Christ,  the  eternal  Son  of  God, 
the  one  Mediator,  God-Man.  In  the  Scriptures  we  are  clearly  informed 
of  the  ofiices  which  he  executes ;  of  his  unparalleled  condescension 
and  glorious  exaltation,  his  approbation  with  the  Father ;  and  of  his 
grace,  love,  merits,  titles,  and  benefits. 

The  Scriptures  are  likewise  useful,  to  give  us  the  knowledge  of 
man's  ruin  by  sin ;  his  misery,  guilt,  and  condemnation ;  the  conse- 
quences of  his  transgression ;  of  the  ever  wonderful  way  of  recovery 
by  Christ,  together  with  the  certain  characters  of  those  who  are 
restored ;  the  change  produced  in  them,  and  their  obligations  to  new 
obedience ;  the  blessedness  of  the  godly,  and  the  misery  of  the  wicked 
and  unbelievers ;  and  also,  the  final  state  of  both,  after  this  life. 
Hence,  be  exhorted,  brethren,  to  consider  what  a  special  privilege 
God  has  granted  you,  and  continued  with  you.  The  Bible  in  your 
hands !  Let  this  word  of  God  dwell  richly  in  your  hearts  also,  in  its 
doctrines,  promises,  commands,  cautions,  and  threatenings ;  for  your 
enlightening,  your  acting  of  every  grace,  your  avoiding  every  sin, 
and  for  your  perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God,  2  Cor.  vii.  1. 
Some  are  forbid  the  use  of  the  Bible,  others  are  taught  and  per- 
suaded to  slight  the  Scriptures,  while  others  again  corrupt  the  word 
of  God,  2  Cor.  ii.  17.  All  those  come  short  of  receiving  the  full 
benefit  thereof.  Beware  ye,  dear  brethren,  lest  your  adversary,  the 
devil,  render  it  useless  to  you,  by  your  neglecting  of  it.  Frequently 
read  the  Scriptures  in  your  retirements,  read  them  in  your  families  ; 
make  conscience  of  giving  opportunities  to  all  your  households,  of 
hearing  what  God  says  of  them  and  to  them.  Speak  of  God's  word, 
meditate  upon  it,  and  according  to  it,  Psalm  1.  23.  Especially,  look 
that  you  have  an  experimental  acquaintance  with  the  operation  of 
Divine  truth  upon  your  hearts,  1  Thes.  ii.  13.  Pray  God  for  a  bless- 
ing to  accompany  it  wherever  it  is  preached ;  and  always  admire 
God,  and  praise  him  for  his  special  kindness  in  giving  you  the  holy 
Bible. 

Samuel  Jones,  Moderator, 
William  Rogers,  Clerk. 

18 


138 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


THE   MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 

p. 

a 

1 

0 

i 

(5 

1 

0 

p 
0 

1 

a 

s 

0 
0 

i 

65 
141 

Pennepek, 
Middletown, 

Samuel  Jones, 

f  Abel  Morgan, 
-<  James  Grover, 
[William  Bown, 

1 

0 

Piscataqua,! 
Cohansie, 
Welsh  Tract,! 
Great  Valley,! 

Isaac  Stelle,* 
Robert  Kelsat,* 
John  Sutton,* 
John  Davis,* 

0 
0 
0 
0 

0 
2 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 

72 

81 

129 

72 

Cape  May, 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn,* 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

59 

Hopewell,! 

Braudywine,! 

Montgomery, 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

191 

29 

102 

John  Thomas,* 

0 

Tulpehokin,! 
Kingwood, 

Thomas  Jones,* 
David  Satton,* 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

16 

80 

Southampton, 
Philadelphia, 
Cranberry,! 

Scotch  Plains, 

William  Vanhorn,* 
William  Rogers, 

1 

2 
0 

0 
2 
0 

0 

0 
0 
0 

0 
2 
0 

0 
5 
0 

0 

64 

1.69 

24 

r  Benjamin  Miller, 
John  Stites,  Esq., 
[Abraham  Hompton, 

1 

0 

0 

121 

Oyster  Bay, 

f  Elijah  Wheeler, 
I  Albert  Alberson, 
[  Henry  Ludlam, 

2 

0 

1 

0 

0 

22 

Morristown, 

Knowlton,! 
Baltimore,! 

Reune  Runton, 
Ebenezer  Blackley, 

3 
0 
0 

2 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

54 

41 

146 

John  Davis,* 

New  Britain,! 

Joshua  Jones,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

56 

Salem, 
Newtown, 

1  Abel  Griffiths, 

!  Edward  Keasby,  Esq., 

Nicholas  Cox, 

0 
3 

0 
0 

0 

1 

1 

0 

0 
0 

23 
69 

Bateman's  Precincts,! 

Samuel  Waldo,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

108 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Heaton,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

39 

1.  New  York, 

John  Gaxo, 
Henry  Williams, 
Samuel  Edmonds, 
Thomas  Ustick, 
^John  Carman, 

1 

1 

33 

1 

0 

139 

New  Mills,! 

Conoloway, 

Coram, 

0 
0 

1 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 

1 

55 
39 
30 

Joseph  Powell,* 
Noah  Hammond,* 

MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


139 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

•a 

p. 

a 

i 

a 

8 

2 

a 

n 

«^ 

s 

(=) 

fH 

a 

Upper  Freehold, 

David  Jones, 

2 

2 

0 

0 

0 

48 

Mount  Bethel,t 

Abner  Sutton.* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

Goshen, 

[  James  Benedict, 
i'  Samuel  Kobert, 

10 

0 

0 

2 

0 

90 

Lyon's  Farms, 

Timothy  Hughes, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

22 

Philip's  Patent, 

(  John  Lawrence,* 
I  Ebenezer  Ward, 

7 

4 

0 

0 

0 

92 

Pittsgrove, 

William  Worth, 

0 

2 

0 

0 

1 

40 

Manahawkin,f 
Vincent,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

12 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

57 

Tuckahoe,t 

William  Lock,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

17 

Northern  Liberty, f 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

15 

2.  New  York, 

f  John  Dodge, 

1  Francis  Vandyke, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

14 

Stanford, 

f  Ebenezer  Ferris, 
I  Nehemiah  Brown, 

0 
34 

0 

0 

0 

0 

25 

16  37 1 

13 

6 

2709 

Note. — The  Ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals. 
were  not  present.     The  Churches  marked  thus  f  sent 
Bengers,  and  their  numbers  remain  as  last  year.     A 
Bettled  minister. 


Those  marked  thus  * 

neither  letters  nor  mes- 

dash denotes  no 


MINUTES 

OF   THE 

PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  IN  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  12tH,  IStH,  AND  14tH, 

1774. 


October  12th. — At  3  o'clock,  p.  M.,  the  Association  was  opened 
with  a  suitable  discourse,  from  Jer.  xxiii.  28,  "  The  prophet  that 
hath  a  dream,  let  him  tell  a  dream ;  and  he  that  hath  my  word,  let 
him  speak  my  word  faithfully  :  what  is  the  chaflf  to  the  wheat  ?  saith 
the  Lord  ;"  by  our  beloved  Brother  Isaac  Stelle. 

2.  After  Divine  service,  Brother  Benjamin  Miller  was  chosen 
moderator,  and  Brother  William  Yanhorn,  clerk.  Letters  from 
thirty-nine  churches  were  read. 

3.  October  13th. — President  Manning,  of  Rhode  Island,  Benja- 
min Coles,  of  Connecticut,  and  John  Corbley,  of  Virginia,  minister- 
ing brethren,  being  present,  their  company  and  assistance  were 
desired. 

4.  A  letter  and  minutes  from  the  Baptist  Association,  held  at 
Medfield,  in  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  September  13th  and  14th, 
1774,  were  read,  which  informs  us,  that  they  had  a  very  comfortable 
interview ;  that  146  had  joined  their  churches  by  baptism,  and  that 
three  churches  more  were  received,  which  increases  their  number  to 
twenty-seven.  Our  much  esteemed  brother  in  the  ministry,  Isaac 
Backus,  was  their  messenger  to  us. 

5.  A  letter  and  minutes  from  the  Ketockton  Association,  held  at 
Brenton,  Virginia,  August  17th-19th,  1774,  were  read,  by  which  it 
appears  that  the  brethren  there  are  walking  in  truth,  and  increasing 
in  number  daily ;  217  have  been  added  by  baptism,  and  three 
churches  were  received.  Their  messengers  to  us  were  our  esteemed 
brethren,  David  Thomas  and  Daniel  Fristoe. 

6.  A  letter  and  minutes  from  the  Association  held  at  Charles- 
ton, in  South  Carolina,  were  read.  The  plan  adopted  by  them  res- 
pecting Rhode  Island  College,  recommended  to  us. 

Agreed,  To  recommend  the  same  to  the  churches  we  stand  res- 
pectively related  unto ;  and  that  our  Brethren  John  Gano  and 
William  Rogers  receive  the  monies  so  raised,  and  remit  the  same 
to  Colonel  Job  Bennet,  treasurer. 

7.  A  letter  from  the  Baptist  church,  at  King's  street,  in  Fair- 
(140) 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  141 

field,  Connecticut,  constituted  November  3d,  1773,  was  read,  re- 
questing to  join  this  Association ;  which  was  granted,  after  satisfac- 
tion given  of  their  faith  and  practice,  and  their  messenger,  William 
Brundage,  received. 

8.  Letters  from  well  disposed  people  in  different  places,  request- 
ing supplies,  were  read,  viz  :  Mudderkill  Forrest,  in  Kent  county, 
Carnarven,  in  Berks,  and  Tolbert,  in  Northumberland,  in  the  pro- 
vince of  Pennsylvania  ;  also,  from  Baltimore  Town,  in  Maryland. 

9.  A  Letter  from  our  Brother  James  Sutton,  setting  forth  the 
loss  of  his  papers  and  effects  by  fire,  was  read : 

Agreed,  That  this  minute  certify  his  regular  standing  in  the  min- 
istry ;  and,  in  lieu  of  the  interest  of  the  Association  fund,  which  he 
requested,  agreed,  rather  to  recommend  to  the  churches  to  contribute 
to  his  necessities. 

10.  After  deliberations  on  some  queries  from  the  church  at  the 
Welsh  Tract,  it  was  finally  agreed,  that  our  Brethren  Abel  Morgan, 
Isaac  Backus,  Isaac  Stelle,  and  Samuel  Jones,  form  a  minute  in 
answer  to  them,  which  being  done  and  approved,  is  here  inserted : 

"  Whereas,  a  book  was  published,  entitled,  '  The  Customs 
of  the  Primitive  Churches,'  which  the  author  proposed  should 
be  altered,  amended,  and  corrected,  by  his  ministering  brethren, 
and  then  re-printed  for  the  use  of  the  churches,  which  was 
never  done  ;  and  whereas,  we  have  reason  to  think,  that  it  is  under- 
stood by  many  abroad  to  have  been  adopted  by  us  in  its  present 
form,  as  our  custom  and  mode  of  church  discipline  and  practice ;  it 
is  therefore  thought  meet,  that  we  should  thus  publicly  testify  to 
the  contrary,  as  it  is  not,  nor  ever  has  been  adopted  by  us,  or  by 
any  of  the  churches  belonging  to  the  Assocation." 

11.  The  Association  considering  that  the  catechising  or  instruct- 
ing youth  in  the  principles  of  the  Christian  religion,  though  so 
plain  and  important  a  duty,  is  yet  too  generally  neglected,  have 
thought  it  expedient  to  recommend  to  the  church'es,  seriously  to  con- 
sider and  promote  the  same. 

12.  The  general  letter  formed  by  Brother  Samuel  Jones,  being 
read  and  considered,  was  approved. 

13.  The  case  of  our  brethren  suffering  under  ecclesiastical  oppres- 
sions in  New  England,  being  taken  into  consideration,  it  was  agreed 
to  recommend  to  our  churches  to  contribute  to  their  necessities, 
agreeable  to  the  pattern  of  the  primitive  churches,  who  contributed 
to  the  relief  of  the  distressed  brethren  in  Judea.  And  that  the 
money  raised  for  them  be  remitted  to  Mr.  Backus,  to  be  by  him,  in 
conjunction  with  the  committee  of  advice  in  said  colony,  distributed 
to  the  brethren. 

14.  The  case  of  our  brethren  above  considered,  induced  us  to  ap- 
point a  committee  of  grievances,  who  may  from  time  to  time  receive 
accounts  of  the  sufferings  and  difficulties  of  our  friends  and  brethren 
in  the  neighboring  colonies ;  and  meet  as  often  as  shall  appear  need- 
ful in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  to  consult  upon  and  prosecute  such 


142  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION". 

measures  for  tlieir  relief,  as  tliej  shall  judge  most  expedient ;  and 
maj  correspond  with  the  Baptist  committee  in  the  Massachusetts 
Bay,  or  elsewhere.  Accordingly,  the  following  gentlemen  were 
appointed,  viz., 

Robert  Strettle  Jones,  Esq.,  Mr.  Samuel  Davis,  Mr.  Ste- 
phen Shewel,  Mr.  Thomas  Shields,  Mr.  George  Wescott,  Alex- 
ander Edwards,  Esq.,  Benjamin  Bartholomew,  Esq.,  Rev.  William 
Rogers,  A.  M.,  John  Evans,  Esq.,  John  Mayhew,  Esq.,  Edward 
Keasby,  Esq.,  Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  A.  M.,  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards, 
A.  M.,  Rev.  William  Vanhorn,  A.  M.,  Mr.  Abraham  Beakly,  Abel 
Evans,  Esq.,  Samuel  Miles,  Esq.,  Mr.  James  Morgan,  and  Mr.  John 
Jarman. 

Any  five  of  them  to  be  a  quorum. 

15.  Agreeable  to  a  proposal  made  in  the  last  Association,  held 
at  New  York,  Brother  William  Rogers  was  requested  to  copy  ofi*, 
into  the  Association  book,  all  the  letters  from  all  the  Associations  cor- 
responding, or  to  correspond,  with  this ;  and  the  letters  from  this 
Association  to  them,  together  with  the  letters  from  this  Association 
to  particular  persons. 

16.  Voted,  That  <£18,  arising  from  Mrs.  Hubb's  donation,  be 
given  to  Mr.  Burgess  Alison,  he  to  give  the  usual  obligations  to  the 
trustees. 

17.  Voted,  That  Brother  Gano  be  paid  by  the  treasurer  the 
interest  due  on  the  Association  fund,  towards  defraying  his  expenses 
in  travelling  the  last  year :  accordingly  he  received  X12. 

18.  Recommended  to  our  churches  to  continue  four  days  of  fasting 
and  prayer  in  the  year  ensuing,  viz.,  the  Friday  before  the  last 
Lord's  day  in  November,  February,  May,  and  August,  to  humble  our- 
selves before  Almighty  God,  implore  his  blessing  on  the  means  of  his 
grace,  and  the  interposition  of  Divine  Providence  in  this  day  of 
public  calamity. 

19.  The  money  raised  for  increasing  the  fund  of  Rhode  Island  Col- 
lege, is  as  follows: 

The  church  at  New  York  raised  above  what  was  proposed  by  the 
plan  adopted. 


£       5. 

d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

Church  of  Cohansie, 

0     15 

0 

Hugh  Glassford, 

0 

7 

0 

Church  at  Salem, 

0      4 

6 

Andrew  Bray, 

0 

5 

0 

The  four  last  sums  above  mentioned  were  received  by  Brother 
William  Rogers. 

20.  The  collections  for  the  Association  fund  are  as  follows : 

Philadelphia, 
New  York, 
Southampton, 

The   above   sum   of  £7  7s.   6d.   was   paid  to   George  Wescott, 
treasurer. 

21.  Supplies  were  granted  to  the  following  destitute  places :  Hope- 


£ 

s. 

d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

3 

0 

0 

New  Mills, 

0 

12 

6 

2 

0 

0 

Newtown, 

0 

10 

0 

1 

0 

0 

Hugh  Glassford, 

0 

5 

0 

MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION".  143 

well,  Oyster  Bay,  New  Mills,  Lyon's  Farms,  Vincent,  King  Street, 
Mudderkill,  Peak's  Kiln,  Baltimore  town. 

Brother  David  Sutton,  William  Worth,  and  Elkana  Holmes  are  to 
visit  the  inhabitants  of  Tolbert  township,  at  times  to  be  fixed  upon 
by  themselves. 

22.  Brother  Peter  Peterson  Vanhorne  was  requested  to  write  a 
letter  to  the  Associations  of  Warren,  Rhode  Island,  Ketockton  and 
Rappidanne,  in  Virginia ;  also,  to  that  of  Sandy  Creek,  and  Que- 
kuky,  in  North  Carolina,  and  to  the  Congaree  and  Charleston  Asso- 
ciation, in  South  Carolina. 

23.  Brother  John  Gano  and  Brother  William  Rogers  were  ap- 
pointed messengers  to  the  Warren  and  Rhode  Island  Associations, 
and  Brother  Isaac  Stelle  and  William  Worth  to  the  Ketockton  Asso- 
ciations, in  Virginia. 

24.  A  motion  being  made  and  the  question  put : — Whether  this 
Association  divide,  and  another  be  held  annually  at  New  York  ? 

After  deliberation,  it  was  voted,  not  to  divide. 

25.  The  Association  meeting  twice  in  the  year,  not  answering  so 
well  as  was  expected  ; 

Agreed,  To  meet  annually;  and  that  it  be  held  next  year  at 
Philadelphia. 

26.  Voted,  That  the  Association  begin  on  Tuesday  after  the  second 
Lord's  day  in  October,  at  three  o'clock,  p.  M. ;  and  that  Brother 
William  Rogers  preach  the  introductory  sermon ;  or,  in  case  of  failure, 
Brother  William  Vanhorne. 

27.  Agreed,  That  Brother  Abel  Morgan  prepare  a  general  letter 
against  the  next  Association. 

N.  B.  The  printing  of  the  memorial,  drawn  up  by  the  committee 
of  grievances,  and  read  before  the  Association,  is,  for  special  reasons, 
deferred. 

CIRCULAR   LETTER. 

BY    REV.    SAMUEL  JONES. 

The  Association  of  elders  and  brethren  of  the  several  Baptist 
churches  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  colonies  adjacent,  held  at  Philadel- 
phia, October  12th,  13th,  and  14th,  1774. 

Send  our  Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  brethren, — Agreeable  to  the  plan  adopted  at  our  last 
Association,  for  the  general  letter  to  the  churches,  we  come  now  to 
address  you  on  the  next  article  contained  in  our  Confession  of  faith, 
which  treats  of  the  being  and  perfections  of  God,  and  includes  the 
doctrine  of  the  Trinity. 

This  is  an  important  article ;  a  foundation,  a  corner  stone  in  the 
Christian  faith.  Remove  this,  and  the  whole  superstructure  will  fall. 
Material  then  it  is  that  we  clearly  conceive  of,  firmly  believe,  and 
without  wavering,  hold  the  same  agreeable  to  the  form  of  sound  words, 
wherein  it  is  held  forth  in  divine  revelation. 

First.  That  there  is  an  only  living  and  true  God,  the  supreme  and 
eternal  Jehovah,  is  manifest. 


144  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

1.  From  the  reason  of  things.  Since  there  cannot  be  an  effect 
without  cause,  there  must  be  a  first  cause,  self  existent  and  indepen- 
dent. 

2.  From  the  works  of  creation,  all  marvellous  and  astonishing  from 
the  least  to  the  greatest.     As  also, 

3.  From  those  of  Providence,  in  sustaining  and  well  ordering  the 
whole  universe,  through  all  the  successive  periods  of  time.  And 
especially, 

4.  From  the  consciousness  of  a  Supreme  Being  impressed  on  every 
rational  soul.     Above  all, 

5.  From  the  holy  Scriptures.  Deut.  vi.  4 ;  xxiii.  39  ;  iv.  35 ; 
Psalm  Ixxxvi.  10  ;  Isa.  xlv.  5. 

Secondly.  The  perfections  of  God  may  be  easily  deduced  from  the 
same  sources,  especially  his  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  infinite. 
And  though  his  mercy,  justice,  truth,  and  holiness  be  not  so  clear 
from  the  works  of  creation  and  providence,  yet  there  is  a  strong  con- 
sciousness of  these,  as  well  as  of  his  omniscience,  omnipresence,  &c., 
while  they  are  also  abundantly  manifested  by  his  word  and  Spirit. 

Thirdly.  Now,  in  this  Divine  and  Infinite  Being,  there  are  three  sub- 
sistences, the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost.  The  Father,  nei- 
ther begotten  nor  proceeding ;  the  Son,  or  Word,  eternally  begotten 
of  the  Father,  John  i.  14,  18  ;  iii.  16 ;  1  John  iv.  9 ;  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the  Son,  John  v.  26,  constitu- 
ting, in  the  undivided  essence  of  the  Godhead,  a  trinity  of  persons, 
each  of  them  possessed  of  all  divine  perfections,  and  every  way  co- 
equal, and  these  three  are  one,  the  One  God.    1  John  v.  7. 

That  there  are  three  appears  through  all  the  sacred  writings,  in 
reference  to  the  works  of  creation,  providence  and  grace,  1  Pet.  i.  2  ; 
in  whose  name  baptism  is  administered.  Matt,  xxviii.  19 ;  and  to 
whom  divine  worship  and  adoration  are  addressed,  2  Cor.  xiii.  14  ; 
and  that  these  Three  are  One,  or  that  there  is  One,  and  but  one  God, 
is  no  less  clear  as  above. 

Now,  that  we  may  further  explain  this  doctrine,  and  remove  some 
difiiculties  attending  it,  so  far  as  the  mysteriousness  of  the  subject 
will  admit,  we  shall  endeavor  to  resolve  the  following  queries. 

Question  1.  How  can  Three  be  One,  and  One  Three  ? 

Answer.  Three  are  not  said  to  be  One,  and  One  Three,  in  the 
same  respect  strictly.  We  do  not  say  that  there  are  Three  persons 
in  One  person,  nor  that  there  are  Three  Gods  in  One  God ;  but 
three  persons  or  subsistences  in  the  undivided  essence  of  the  One 
God. 

Question  2.  Why  are  these  three  subsistences  called  persons  ? 

Answer  1.  Because  they  are  distinguished  by  personal  relative 
properties ;  the  Father  begetting,  the  Son  begotten,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  proceeding. 

2.  They  are  styled  I,  Thou,  and  He.  They  speak,  are  spoken  to, 
and  spoken  of. 

3.  They  have  each  of  them  understanding  and  will.     And  besides, 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  145 

4.  Thej  have  personal  characters,  as  Creator,  Redeemer,  Judge, 
Comforter,  Intercessor,  &c.,  and  are  covenanted  with,  sent,  &c.  Ps. 
ex.  1,  3,  6,  7  ;  John  viii.  16 ;  xiv.  16,  17,  26. 

In  one  word  thej  have  attributed  to  them  and  spoken  of  them 
every  thing  essential  to  and  descriptive  of  personality. 

Question  3.  In  what  respect  is  Christ  the  only  begotten  Son  of 
God? 

Answer  1.  Not  with  respect  to  his  human  nature  ;  for  he  was  the 
only  begotten  Son  of  God  before.  In  that  case  the  Spirit  would 
have  been  the  Father.  And  in  his  human  nature  he  was  manifested 
to  be  what  he  was  before,  namely,  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father. 

2.  Nor  with  respect  to  his  resurrection;  for  he  was  so  before  he 
rose  by  his  own  power.  And  by  his  resurrection  from  the  dead,  he 
was  manifested  to  be  what  he  was  before.     Rom.  i.  4. 

3.  Nor  yet  with  respect  to  his  mediatorial  office ;  for  it  is  his  son- 
ship  that  adds  lustre  to  this  office,  Heb.  iv.  14,  as  well  as  efficacy. 
1  John  i.  7.  Neither  is  there  any  thing  in  that  office  that  should 
give  rise  to  the  title  Son,  only  Son,  only  begotten.  Further,  this 
did  not  make  the  Son  a  son,  but  a  priest.  Heb.  i.  8  ;  vii.  28.  And 
his  priesthood  and  sonship  are  distinctly  spoken  of,  Acts  viii.  37  ; 
ix.  20 ;  while  also  in  the  capacity  of  a  Mediator  he  was  a  servant. 

4.  It  remains,  then,  that  he  was  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God  by 
eternal  generation,  inconceivable  and  mysterious.  He  was  his  Son, 
John  V.  18 ;  1  John  v.  5 ;  his  own  Son,  Rom.  viii.  3,  32 ;  his  only 
begotten  Son,  John  i.  14,  18  ;  iii.  16 ;  1  John  iv.  9  ;  was  with  him 
in  the  beginning,  John  i.  1 ;  before  his  works  of  old,  even  from  ever- 
lasting, Mic.  V.  2  ;  Prov.  viii.  22,  23. 

Question  4.  If  he  was  the  Son  of  God  by  generation  as  to  his 
divine  nature,  how  could  he  be  co-equal  and  co-eternal  with  the 
Father  ? 

Answer.  When  we  conceive  of  the  Father  and  the  Son,  there  is  a 
priority  in  the  order  of  nature,  but  not  in  the  order  of  time.  As  God's 
eternal  decrees,  the  mind  and  thought,  the  sun  and  light ;  though 
these  be  prior  and  successive  among  themselves  in  the  order  of  nature, 
yet  not  in  point  of  time.  The  instant  the  sun  existed,  light  did  exist 
also,  proceeding  from  it,  or,  as  it  were,  generated  by  it.  So  the  in- 
stant there  is  a  Father,  there  must  be  a  Son  ;  and  as  the  Father  exists 
a  Father  from  eternity,  so  does  the  Son  a  Son. 

Thus,  dearly  beloved,  we  have  endeavored  to  set  before  you  this 
essential  article  of  our  faith  in  as  clear  a  manner  as  the  narrowness 
of  our  limits,  and  the  mysteriousness  of  the  subject,  would  permit. 
But  let  no  one  presume  to  think  that  he  can,  by  searching,  find  out 
the  Ahnighty  to  perfection,  nor  vainly  inquire  where  the  Lord  has 
not  revealed.  Let  us  rather  be  humbly  thankful,  that  the  Divine 
Majesty  has  condescended  to  make  such  wondrous  discoveries  of  his 
being  and  perfections. 

Let  us  set  the  Triune  God  before  us  in  all  our  ways  and  enjoyments, 
and  rejoice  in  him,  who  is  worthy  of  our  highest  confidence  and 
pui'est  affection,  worthy  of  all  divine  worship  and  adoration.   Finally, 

19 


146 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


brethren,  let  us  be  established  in  the  present  truth,  nor  suffer  any  to 
remove  us  from  the  firm  basis  of  divine  revelation.  Now  to  the  King 
eternal,  immortal,  invisible,  the  only  wise  God,  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Spirit,  be  all  honor,  glory,  divine  worship,  praise,  power  and 
dominion,  both  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 

Benjamin  Miller,  Moderator. 

William  Vanhorn,  Clerk. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND    MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,   AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

■d 

-si 

■d 

3 

1 

J3 

1 

a 

9 

a 

?3 

1 

fi 

5 

a 

Samuel  Jones, 

Pennepek, 

Alexander  Edwards, 
Peter  Smith, 

'  Abel  Morgan, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

65 

Middletown, 

James  Mott, 

William  Bown, 

1 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

141 

Piscataqua, 

Isaac  Stelle, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

72 

Cohansie, 

< 

Robert  Kelsat, 
Isaac  Mulfurd, 

John  Sutton, 

4 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

84 

Welsh  Tract, 

John  Bowen, 
Hugh  Glassford, 
'John  Davis,* 

1 

0 

0 

5 

1 

0 

124 

Great  Valley, 

Samuel  Jones, 
Griffith  Jones, 

John  Davies, 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

1 

70 

Cape  May, 
Hopewell, 

Brandywine, 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
r 

0 
0 

1 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

2 

1 
0 

0 

3 
1 

0 

4 
0 

57 

155 

29 

Nathaniel  Stout, 
William  Parks, 

f 

John  Baldwin, 

Montgomery, 

John  Thomas, 
David  Sutton, 

4 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

104 

Kingwood, 

Elkana  Holmes, 
Andrew  Bray, 

AViLLiAM  Vanhorn, 

7 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

86 

Southampton, 

John  Blackwell, 
Arthur  Watts, 

'  William  Rogers, 
Morgan  Edwards, 
Samuel  Davies, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

64 

Philadelphia, 

Joshua  Moore, 
John  Brown, 
Ezekiel  Letts, 

Gecrge  Bright, 

7 

1 

0 

4 

0 

0 

173 

Cranberry, 

1 

2 

0 

0 

A 

n 

27 

U      ^ 

1   Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Miller, 

4 

0 

0 

5 

0 

ol 

122 

MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


147 


•6 

^ 

_; 

_■ 

X* 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

« 

3S 

3 

■^ 

s 

i 

i 

m 
4 

0 

0 

0 

1 

P, 

s 

Oyster  Bay, 

0 

0 

26 

Morristown, 

f  Reune  Runton, 
\  John  Brookfield, 

10 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

64 

Knowlton,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

41 

Baltimore,             ) 
(now  Harford)  j 

John  Davies,* 

6 

4 

0 

3 

6 

3 

144 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

3 

1 

53 

Salem, 

C  Abel  Griffiths, 
(  Abner  Long, 

1 

2 

0 

3 

0 

0 

23 

Newtown, 

\  Nicholas  Cox, 
Hezekiah  Smith,  jr., 

9 

1 

0 

0 

0 

1 

78 

Bateman's  Precincts 

,     Samuel  Waldo,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

107 

Dividing  Creek, 

f  Samuel  Heaton, 
I  Jonadab  Shepherd, 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

34 

1.  New  York, 
New  Mills, 

f  John  Gang, 

1  Abraham  Cannon, 

2 
2 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

G 

0 

0 

139 
51 

Samuel  Gaskill, 

Kolonoway, 

Joseph  Powell,* 

16 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

57 

Coram, 

Noah  Hammond, 
'  David  Jones,* 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

33 

Upper  Freehold, 

Thomas  Farr, 
Peter  Sexton, 

Burgess  Alison, 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

50 

Mount  Bethel, 

Abner  Sutton, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 

0 

22 

Goshen, 

James  Benedict,* 

10 

8 

0 

0 

0 

0 

113 

Lyon's  Farms, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

22 

Oblong, 

Simon  Dawkin,* 

17 

0 

0 

0 

13 

0 

7C 

Philip's  Patent, 

John  Lawrence,* 

6 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

98 

Pittsgrove, 

(  William  Worth, 
1  Joseph  Champness, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

40 

Manahawkin,        ) 
(now  Stafford)  \ 

Vincent, 

Henrt  Crosly, 

1 

4 

1 

1 

0 

15 

\  William  Wells, 

( David  Phillips, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

57 

Tuckahoe, 

William  Lock, 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

24 

Northern  Liberty,! 

0 

0 

0 

( 

0 

0 

15 

2.  New  York,t 

John  Dodge,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

14 

Stamford, 
King  Street, 

6 
0 

1 

0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

32 
13 

William  Brundage, 

129 

26 

1 

27 

43 

lo 

2804 

Note. — The  ministere'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Those  marked  thus  * 
were  not  present.^  The  churches  marked  thus  f  sent  neither  letters  nor  mes- 
sengers, and  their  numbers  remain  as  last  year.     A  dash  denotes  no 

settled  minister. 


MINUTES 

OF  THE 

PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER,  IOtH,  IItH,  AND  12tH, 

1775. 


Tuesday,  October  10. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  M.,  the  Association 
was  opened  with  a  suitable  discourse,  from  Mark  xvi.  15,  "  And  he 
said  unto  them.  Go  je  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to 
every  creature,"  by  our  brother,  Rev.  William  Rogers. 

2.  After  sermon.  Brother  John  Gano  was  chosen  moderator,  and 
Brother  William  Rogers,  clerk.  Letters  from  thirty-two  churches 
were  read. 

3.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Manning,  Morgan  Edwards,  and  Peter 
Peterson  Vanhorne  being  present,  their  company  and  assistance  were 
desired. 

4.  Wednesday,  October  11. — A  letter  from  Warren  Association 
was  read,  which  informed  us,  that  during  the  last  year,  many  were 
added  to  their  several  churches  by  baptism,  but  the  number  is  not 
specified — hope  to  receive  their  minutes  if  printed.  Their  messenger 
to  us,  was  the  Rev.  William  Williams. 

5.  A  letter  from  Quekuky  Association,  in  North  Carolina,  was 
read ;  it  appears  that  it  was  their  last  year's  letter,  but  did  not  come 
to  hand  until  several  weeks  after  our  Association  was  held.  When 
they  wrote  they  were  in  a  very  comfortable  state ;  their  increase  two 
hundred  and  seventy;  two  churches  constituted,  and  two  ministers 
were  ordained;  the  number  of  members  then  appertaining  to  their 
thirteen  churches  was  fourteen  hundred  and  fifty-eight. 

6.  A  letter  and  minutes  from  Charleston  Association,  in  South 
Carolina,  were  read:  we  are  pleased  to  hear  of  their  happy  interview 
together.  Brother  Elhanan  Winchester,  their  messenger  to  us, 
not  present.  Our  other  sister  Associations  did  not  write  to  us — 
should  be  glad  to  hear  from  them  all  at  our  next  annual  meeting. 

7.  In  consequence  of  two  letters  received  from  the  church  at 
Coram ;  the  first  lamenting  their  loss  of  a  worthy  pastor,  Rev. 
Noah  Hammond,  requested  our  assistance  and  prayers :  the  second 
was  expressive  of  their  great  satisfaction  in  Brother  Ebenezer  Ward's 
visits,  and  edification  under  his  ministry,  which  concludes  by  desiring 
this  Association  to  ordain  him  as  an  itinerant. 

148 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION". 


149 


Agreed,  That  this  Association  claim  no  such  right,  and,  therefore, 
resolved  to  encourage  Mr.  Ward  to  assist  said  church  in  all  that  he 
consistently  can,  until  either  the  church,  whereof  he  is  a  member, 
chooses  to  have  him  ordained,  or  he  first  becoming  a  member  at  Co- 
ram, and  they  should  continue  in  the  same  mind,  which,  if  they 
do,  and  write  for  assistance,  we  make  no  doubt  our  brethren  will  duly 
attend  to  it. 

8.  Recommended  to  our  churches  to  continue  the  four  quarterly 
days  of  fasting  and  prayer,  as  the  troubles  of  the  nation  increase, 
and  too  much  deadness  among  Christians  still  prevalent.  The  days 
to  be  observed  are  the  Thursday  before  the  last  Lord's  days  in 
November,  February,  May,  and  August. 

9.  The  llev.  Samuel  Stillman  was  desired  to  draw  up  a  letter  for 
the  several  Associations  corresponding  with  this. 

10.  The  collections  are  as  follow : 


FOR  THE  ASSOCIATIOX  FUND. 

Philadelphia  church,          £2      0  0 

New  York,         "                     12  6 

Pennepek,          "                    10  0 

Delivered  to  Mr.Westcott.  £  4      2  6 

FOB    OUR   SUFFERING    BRETHREN   IN    NEW 
ENGLAND. 


Philadelphia  church, 
Cohansie,  " 

Rev.  David  Sutton, 


£8  14  6 
2  0  0 
0       10 


Deliv'd  to  Mr.  Stillman,  £  10     15       6 


FOR  THE  COLLEGE, 


Pennepek  church, 
Delivered  to  Mr.  Rogers. 


£0     17     6 


FOR  BROTHER  JAMES  SUTTON. 

Southampton  church,  £2  6 

Cohansie,              ''  2  0 

Philadelphia,        "  3  12 

Morristown,          "  0  15 

Newtown,             "  0  7 

Mr.  Joseph  Chambloss,  0  4 


Deliv'd  to  Mr.Jno.  Sutton,  £9      4      8 


11.  Voted,  That  X18,  arising  from  Mrs.  Hubb's  donation,  be 
equally  divided  between  Messrs.  Enoch  Morgan  and  Burgess  Alli- 
son, they  giving  the  usual  obligations  to  the  trustees. 

12.  The  general  letter  to  the  churches,  drawn  up  by  the  Rev.  Abel 
Morgan,  being  read,  Was  unanimously  approved  of,  and  the  Rev. 
John  Gano  appointed  to  write  one  for  next  year. 

13.  The  Rev.  Abel  Morgan  was  requested  to  copy  off  into  the 
Association  book,  all  the  letters  from  the  Associations  corresponding, 
or  to  correspond  with  this ;  also  the  letters  from  this  Association 
to  them,  together  with  the  letters  from  this  Association  to  particular 
persons. 

11.  Supplies  granted  to  the  following  destitute  places: — Upper 
Freehold,  Oyster  Bay,  Lyon's  Farms,  New  Mills,  Cow  Marsh,  Bal- 
timore town,  Talbort  township,  and  Peakskiln. 

15.  Requested,  That  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Gano  and  Samuel 
Jones  be  our  messengers  to  Warren  and  Rhode  Island  Associations; 
to  that  of  Ketockton,  in  Virginia,  Rev,  John  Sutton ;  and  to  all  the 
southern  Associations,  Rev.  Messrs.  Morgan  Edwards  and  Peter 
Peterson  Vanhorn. 

16.  Voted,  That  the  next  Association  be  held  at  New  York,  to 
begin  on  Tuesday  after  the  second  Lord's  day  in  October,  at  three 


150  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  that  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman  preach  the  introduc- 
tory sermon ;  or,  in  case  of  failure,  Rev.  "William  Yanhorne. 
CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BV  REV.  ABEL   MORGAN. 

The  Association  of  elders  and  brethren  of  the  several  Baptist 
churches  in  Pennsylvania,  and  the  colonies  adjacent,  held  at  Phila- 
delphia, October  10th,  11th,  and  12th,_  1775. 

To  the  several  churches  vre  are  in  connection  with,  send  our 
Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  Brethren, — In  the  primitive  times,  ■when  people  "were 
converted  by  the  ministry  of  the  gospel,  and  united  together  in  church 
relation  and  fellowship,  it  was  the  practice  of  the  Apostles  to  estab- 
lish them  in  the  truths  which  they  had  believed  and  professed,  Acts 
XV.  41,  for  then-  edification  and  comfort,  Acts  ix.  31.  We  now,  ac- 
cording to  our  measure,  would  endeavor  to  follow  this  worthy  pat- 
tern, for  the  like  excellent  design.  The  subject,  which  next  in  order 
comes  to  be  considered,  is  the  doctrine  of  God's  decree.  Confession 
of  faith,  chap.  III.    "Whereon  we  observe, 

1.  That  God,  the  supreme,  who  is  self-existent,  and  every  way  an 
independent  sovereign,  the  creator  of  all  things,  hath  an  absolute 
right  to  dispose  of  all  his  creatures ;  and  before  his  works  of  old,  to 
appoint  and  determine  all  things  to  a  certain  end.  This  article  of  our 
belief,  both  scripture  and  reason  do  jointly  and  sufficiently  confirm, 

'Isa.  xlvi.  10  ;  Psalm  xxxiii.  11 ;  Prov.  xix.  21. 

2.  The  rule  of  his  fore-appointment,  of  what  shall  come  to  pass 
in  time,  is  the  wise  counsel  of  his  most  holy  will  and  pleasure. 
Eph.  i.  11. 

3.  In  accomplishing  his  purpose,  no  violence  is  offered  to  the  will 
of  the  creature,  good.  Psalm  ex.  3;  or  bad,  James  i.  13,  14;  nor  the 
use  of  means  taken  away,  Ezek.  xxxvi.  87 ;  neither  is  God,  in  any- 
wise, the  author  of  sin,  though  he  decreed  to  permit  it  to  be,  Acts 
xiv.  16 ;  Gen.  xlv.  5 ;  Acts  ii.  28. 

4.  The  special  objects  of  God's  decree  are  angels  and  men. 

5.  When  all  the  human  race,  by  the  sin  of  the  first  man,  were 
involved  in  guilt,  Rom.  v.  12,  and  fallen  under  condemnation,  and 
all  become  the  children  of  wrath  ;  it  would  manifestly  be  doing  them 
no  injustice,  if  they  were,  to  every  individual,  left  in  that  state,  and 
eternally  punished  for  their  sins  :  this  would  have  been  their  proper 
desert,  their  just  reward.  But  God,  out  of  his  mere  free  grace  and 
love,  without  any  moving  cause  in  the  parties  chosen,  hath  predesti- 
nated some  unto  hfe,  through  a  Mediator,  Eph.  i.  4;  Eom.  xi.  5,  6, 
(without  any  wrong  done  to  others)  together  with  all  the  means  sub- 
servient to  this  end,  viz.,  their  redemption  by  the  blood  of  Christ, 
and  renovation  by  the  Spirit  of  holiness,  to  the  praise  of  his  glorious 
grace ;  the  other  left  to  act  in  sin,  to  their  final  destruction,  to  the 
glory  of  divine  justice,  Rom.  ix.  22,  23. 

The  bounds  of  a  letter  will  not  permit  us  to  enter  on  the  discus- 
sion of  the  several  objections,  and  remove  out  of  the  way  the  many 
cavils,  which  are  raised  by  men  of  different  principles,  in  opposition 


MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  151 

to  this  scripture  doctrine ;  that  has  been  repeatedly  well  done  heretofore 
by  others ;  but  only  add  a  word,  with  a  view  to  relieve  and  support  those 
distressed  souls,  whoever  and  wherever  they  be,  whilst  they  acknow- 
ledge this  awful  truth,  but  at  the  same  time  are  greatly  exercised 
about  it;  frequently  raising  objections  against  themselves,  fearing 
they  are  not  of  the  elect  of  God :  and,  should  this  be  the  case,  they 
infer,  that  all  their  endeavors  must  be  in  vain,  their  acts  of  worship 
unacceptable.  The  consolations  and  promises  of  the  gospel  are  pro- 
posed to  them  to  little  purpose.  Their  souls  refuse  to  be  comforted ; 
their  hope  flags,  their  expectation  fails ;  they  are  greatly  dis- 
heartened ;  yea,  the  very  duties  of  religion  become  to  them  difiicult, 
and  oftentimes  burthensome ;  briefly,  they  are  ready  to  halt,  and  to 
sink  down  in  the  gulf  of  despair,  believing  the  decree  of  God  to  be 
immutable.  So  that  this  solemn  truth,  instead  of  administering  joy 
to  their  souls,  and  exciting  in  them  adoration  and  praise  to  God,  be- 
comes to  them  an  occasion  of  terror,  discouragement,  and  great 
depression  of  spirit.  The  topics,  whence  they  generally  derive  these 
gloomy  apprehensions  are  such  as  follow,  viz.,  the  gross  darkness  of 
mind  under  which  they  are  shut  up ;  no  signs  of  election ;  extreme 
ignorance  of  God  and  of  Christ ;  find  no  returns  of  prayer ;  so  full 
of  sin ;  manifold  afflictions ;  cannot  act  faith ;  backslidings,  unpro- 
fitableness, heart  rising  against  God,  and  such  like. 

To  remove  these  difficulties:  1.  Let  the  parties  consider  that  there 
may  be  very  great  and  just  reasons  for  the  ground  of  these  complaints, 
without  calling  in  question  their  election. 

2.  Let  them  seriously  observe  the  frame  and  temper  of  their  soul 
under  all  or  any  of  these  defects,  whether  a  sense  of  their  case  excites 
in  them  more  humiliation  and  sorrow  for  sin,  Psalm  xxxviii.  17,  18  ; 
and  more  vehement  cries  and  ardent  wishes  for  seasonable  help,  Ps. 
xxxviii.  4,  5,  21,  22.     If  so,  the  evidence  is  in  their  favor. 

3.  Let  such  know  and  learn,  that  the  way  for  their  relief  is  not  by 
laboring  to  pry  into  the  secret  purpose  of  God,  or  in  their  thoughts 
to  dwell  upon  it,  to  their  own  discouragement,  but  abide  by,  and  cleave 
to,  his  revealed  will,  which  directs  all  indigent  ones  to  Christ  the 
Mediator  for  supply,  and  to  the  use  of  those  means  prescribed  for  the 
satisfaction  and  peace  of  laboring  souls  :  "Make  your  calling  sure." 
2  Pet.  i.  10.  In  so  doing  shall  the  fearful  be  able  to  look  back,  and 
know  their  election  before  time,  and  forward,  and  view  their  salva- 
tion to  come,  when  time  shall  be  no  more.  This  glorious  truth  is  not 
designed  to  deter  troubled  souls  from  coming  to  Jesus  Christ. 

4.  It  directly  tends  to  administer  support  to  the  laboring  soul,  when 
•we  find  those  very  springs  of  complaints,  doubts ,  and  fears,  from 
which  they  argue  to  their  disadvantage,  are  no  other  than  what  the 
Scripture  declares  to  have  been  the  case  with  the  very  elect  of  God ; 
for  instance,  these  complain  of  darkness,  so  did  they,  "  Why  hidest  thou 
thyself?"  Psalm  x.  1.  Job  emphatically,  xxiii.  8,  9,  See  Isa,  1.  10. 
Do  these  sorrowful  ones  lack  tokens  of  their  election  ?  But  hath  not 
God  in  special  mercy  hedged  up  their  way,  to  keep  them  from  sin, 
and  made  it  bitter  to  their  souls  ?  Hos.  ii.  6,  7  ;  Lam.  iii.  19,  20. 
Do  they  not  find  thirstings  after  Christ  ?    Psalm  xlii.  1-3.    Do  they 


152  MINUTES    OP   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

not  groan  earnestly,  and  are  burdened,  because  of  their  depravity, 
&c.  ?  2  Cor,  V.  2.  These  are  encouraging  tokens,  the  very  charac- 
ters of  the  elect ;  who  also  in  their  day  bewailed  their  ignorance  of 
God.  Prov.  XXX.  2,  3.  The  exhortation  "  to  grow  in  the  knowledge 
of  Christ,"  intimates  their  deficiency  therein.  How  pathetically  did 
they  expostulate  with  God  about  his  deferring  to  answer  their  prayers. 
"  Will  the  Lord  cast  off  forever  ?  Hath  God  forgotten  to  be  gracious  ?" 
Psalm  Ixxvii.  7-3.  "  0  Lord,  how  long  shall  I  cry,  and  thou  wilt  not 
hear?"  Hab.  i.  2.  How  feelingly  did  they  acknowledge  themselves 
full  of  sin;  "  Mine  iniquities  are  gone  over  my  head."  Psal.  xxxviii. 
3-8.  "Wretched  man  that  I  am."  Rom.  vii.  18,  24.  Do  these  fear 
because  they  cannot  put  forth  acts  of  faith  ?  Consider  the  case  of 
the  godly ;  "  I  am  shut  up,  and  I  cannot  come  forth."  Psalm 
Ixxxviii.  8.  Christ  would  have  men  to  know  their  own  insufficiency, 
John  XV.  5  ;  vi.  44 ;  who  himself  is  the  author  and  finisher  of  faith. 
Hence,  Song  i.  4,  "draw  me."  Sore  afflictions  are  the  very  portion 
of  the  dear  chosen  ones  of  God  in  the  world.  Psalm  Ixxiii.  10,  14 ; 
xxxiv.  19  ;  1  Cor.  xi.  32  ;  Heb.  xii.  6-8.  Let  these  languishing  souls 
hear  the  gracious  word  of  promise  to  backsliders,  Hos.  xiv.  4.  Christ 
teaches  all  the  elect  to  esteem  themselves  unprofitable.  Luke  xvii.  10. 
Do  these  perplexed  ones  faint,  because  they  find  in  themselves  heart- 
risings  against  God  ?  This  indeed  is  very  alarming  and  dreadful  in 
its  consequences  ;  but  there  is  on  record  an  instance  of  this  sad  case, 
in  one  that  was  undoubtedly  a  chosen  vessel,  an  elect  of  God.  Jonah 
iv.  3,  4,  9,  whose  heart  not  only  rose  up  against  God,  but  also  in 
his  reply  vindicated  himself  therein.  "  I  do  well  to  be  angry."  'Tis 
probable  this  by  far  is  an  higher  degree  than  any  of  these  dejected 
ones  are  got  to.  Hence  we  observe,  that  not  one  distressed  soul  hath 
ground  to  argue  against  himself  from  any  of  the  above-mentioned 
cases,  or  the  like,  that  he  is  passed  by,  and,  without  hope,  left  to 
perish  in  his  sins.  None  can  conclude  his  preterition  but  from  final 
impenitence,  and  the  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost.  From  the  for- 
mer he  cannot,  because  he  is  yet  in  life  ;  nor  from  the  latter,  because 
final  impenitence  is  an  inseparable  ingredient  of  that  sin. 

5.  Guard  against  every  device  of  Satan,  who  aims  to  prevent  peo- 
ple profiting  by  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.    1  Pet.  v.  8. 

6.  Inasmuch  as  we  are  authorized  to  encourage  the  weak,  the  feeble, 
and  fearful  to  be  strong.  Isa.  xxxv.  3,  4,  We  therefore  exhort  and 
charge  all  those  into  whose  hands  this  may  come,  who  are,  and  have 
been,  sorely  afflicted  on  the  aforesaid  account,  that  they  would 
press  forward  in  the  ways  of  godliness,  seek  the  Lord  Jesus  unfeign- 
edly,  pray  without  ceasing,  and  fiiint  not,  Luke  xviii.  1,  7,  endeavor 
for  satisfactory  experience  of  grace  in  their  own  souls ;  that  hereafter 
they  may  rejoice  in  this,  and  every  other  truth  of  God. 

Lastly,  We  would  earnestly  caution  all  persons,  on  the  other  hand, 
who  confidently  conclude  themselves  to  be  of  the  elect  of  God,  to 
beware  at  all  times  of  living  a  dissolute,  vain,  irreligious  life,  or 
giving  themselves  liberty  to  continue  in  sin,  because  election  is  un- 
alterable ;  pleading  or  thinking  they  shall  be  saved,  let  them  live 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


153 


and  act  as  they  will  (this  truth  hath  been  thus  horribly  abused.)  Such 
corrupt  principles,  wicked  practices,  and  black  characters,  are  incon- 
sistent with  the  pure  doctrines  of  the  gospel.  Eemember  that  holi- 
ness becometh  the  house  and  people  of  the  Lord  forever,  and  is  in- 
dispensably enjoined  on  every  one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Christ. 
2  Tim.  ii.  19  :  2  Thess.  ii.  13:  1  Pet.  i.  14,  16. 

Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling,  and  to  present 
you  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory,  with  exceeding  joy,  to 
the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty,  dominion  and 
power,  both  now  and  ever.     Amen. 

John  Gang,  Moderator. 

WiiLLAM  Rogers,  Clerk. 

THE  MINISTEES  AND    MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,   AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


i 

^  . 

1 

p 

o 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AMD  MESSENGERS. 

■B 

-1 

t-i 

S 

1 

8 

■a 

a 

^^ 

rt 

5 

K 
S 

fi 

ffl 

1  Samuel  Jones,  A  M., 

Pennepek, 

Alexander  Edwards, 

[  Peter  Smith, 

6 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

69 

Middletown, 

'  Abel  Morgan,  A.  M., 
1  James  Mott, 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

4 

139 

Piscataqua, 

Isaac  Stelle, 
Robert  Kelsay, 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

75 

Cohansie, 

Providence  Ludlam, 

i 

David  Bowen, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

5 

80 

Welsh  Tract, 

John  Sutton, 
Enoch  Morgan, 

David  Jones,  A.  M., 

2 

0 

0 

4 

0 

2 

120 

Great  Valley,              < 

Thomas  Jones, 

Griffith  Jones, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

70 

Cape  May, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

4 

52 

'  Benjamin  Coles, 

Hopewell,                   ■< 

John  Blackwell, 

Zebulon  Stout,  jr., 

0 

2 

0 

1 

0 

1 

155 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffiths,* 

Thomas  Davis, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

29 

Montgomery, 

John  Thomas, 
Isaac  James, 

David  Sutton, 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

103 

Kingwood, 

Elkana  Holmes, 
William  Vanhorn,  A.  M., 

2 

0 

0 

0 

2 

2 

84 

Southampton,             ■< 

John  Gilbert, 

Joseph  Hart, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

03 

'  Samuel  Stillman,  A.  M., 

William  Rogers,  A.  M., 

Philadelphia, 

Joshua  Moore, 

George  Bright, 

^Benjamin  Thaw, 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

1 

174 

Cranberry,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0) 

27 

20 


154 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

•3 

•3    s^ 

^  -g 

1 
-S 

i 

•a 

1 

C3 

<  3 

« 

A 

f^ 

o 

S 

Scotch  Plains, 
Oyster  Bay, 

Benjamin  Miller,* 

12 
2 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

5 
1 

129 

27 

\  Elijah  Wheeler, 

Morristown, 

f  Reune  Runton, 
1  Isaac  Brookfield, 

12 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

80 

Knowlton, 
Harford,  (Maryland 

f; 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

14 

>  1  John  Davis,* 

'  I  Abraham  Britton, 

5 

1 

0 

6 

0 

2 

142 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

50 

Salem,t 

Newtown, 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

20 

'',  Nicholas  Cox, 
'  Hezekiah  Smith, 

4 

0 

0 

1 

1 

1 

79 

Bateman's  Precincts 

,    Samuel  Waldo,* 

47 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

152 

Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Heaton, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

32 

1.  New  York, 
New  Mills, 

J  John  Gano, 
I  James  Stiles, 
r 

1 
4 

2 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

1 

0 

2 

2 

139 
53 

<  Samuel  Gaskill, 
(Jacob  Woolston, 

Kolonoway, 

Joseph  Powell,* 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

60 

Coram, 

Upper  Freehold, 

0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 

34 

50 

- 

Thomas  Farr, 
-  Thomas  Cox,  jr., 
Jonathan  Holmes, 
Edward  Taylor, 

Mount  Bethel,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

22 

Goshen, t 

James  Benedict,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

113 

Lyon's  Farms, 
Oblong, 

0 
13 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

0 
0 

22 

Simon  Dawkin,* 

5 

0 

2 

92 

Philip's  Patent,! 

f  John  Lawrence,* 
1  Ebenezer  Ward, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

98 

Pittsgrove, 

1  William  Worth, 
(  Cornelius  Austin, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

40 

Manahawkin,-) 

Henry  Crosly,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

15 

Vincentjf 
Tuckahoe, 

0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

E7 

William  Lock,* 

0 

0 

24 

Northern  Liberty,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

15 

2.  New  York,! 

John  Dodge,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

14 

Stamford, 
King  Street,! 

1 

0 
133 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 
0 

2 
0 

31 
13 

14    1  13 

T 

48 

2863 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Those  marked  thus  * 
were  not  present.  The  churches  marked  thus  !  sent  neither  letters  nor  mes- 
sengers, and  their  numbers  remain  as  last  year.     A  dash  denotes  no 

settled  minister.     Increase  this  year,  50. 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  THE  SCOTCH  PLAINS,  IN  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY, 

OCTOBER  15th  and  16th, 
1776. 


October  15 — At  three  o'clock,  p.  M.,  the  Association  was  opened 
with  a  discourse  from  Col.  i.  28 :  "  Whom  we  preach,  warning  every 
man,  and  teaching  every  man  in  all  wisdom,  that  we  may  present 
every  man  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus,"  by  our  brother,  William  Van- 
horne. 

2.  After  divine  service.  Brother  Isaac  Stelle  was  chosen  mode- 
rator, and  Brother  William  Vanhorne,  cleric 

3.  Proceeded  to  read  the  letters  from  the  churches. 
Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
October  16 — Association  met,  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

4.  A  letter  was  read  from  the  Association  held  at  the  High  Hills 
of  Santee,  dated  May  16th,  1773. 

5.  This  Association,  taking  into  consideration  the  awful  impend- 
ing calamities  of  these  times,  and  deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of 
our  duty  to  humble  ourselves  before  God,  by  acknowledging  our 
manifold  sins,  and  imploring  his  pardon  and  interposition  in  favor 
of  our  distressed  country ;  and  also  to  beseech  him  to  grant,  that 
such  blessings  may  accompany  the  means  of  his  grace  that  a  revival 
of  pure  and  undefiled  religion  may  universally  prevail ; 

Resolved,  That  it  be  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  our  churches, 
to  observe  four  days  of  humiliation  in  the  year  ensuing,  by  prayer, 
abstinence  from  food,  and  labor,  and  recreations,  lawful  on  other 
days.  The  days  proposed  for  humiliation  are  the  Friday  before 
the  last  Lord's  day  in  November,  February,  May,  and  August. 

6.  Application  being  made  to  the  Association  for  the  benefit  of  Mrs. 
Hubb's  donation  by  Messrs.  Enoch  Morgan,  Burgess  Alison,  and 
James  Darrah  ; 

Resolved,  That  it  be  equally  divided  between  the  latter,  they  giving 
the  usual  security. 

7.  Agreed,  That  Brother  Samuel  Jones  be  requested  to  write  the 
circular  letter  for  next  year. 

8.  On  motion,  Resolved,  That  Brother  Abel  Morgan  be  desired 

(155) 


156  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATIO!T. 

to  compose  a  letter  on  the  subject  of  humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer, 
against  the  next  Association, 

9.  Brother  John  Sutton  being  requested  to  bring  in  a  draught  of 
a  letter  to  the  Associations  corresponding  with  us;  and  having 
brought  in  the  same,  and  it  being  read,  was  approved. 

10.  Agreed,  That  Brother  Ward  be  our  messenger  to  Warren 
Association. 

11.  Brother  James  Benedict  was  requested  to  preach  the  Associa- 
tion sermon  next  year ;  and,  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  John  Sutton 
was  desired  to  be  prepared. 

12.  Voted,  That  the  Association  meet  next  year  in  Philadelphia, 
on  the  Tuesday  after  the  second  Lord's  day  in  October,  at  three 
o'clock,  p.  M. 

Supplies  granted  to  the  following  destitute  places : — New  Mills, 
Upper  Freehold,  Mount  Bethel,  Lyon's  Farms,  and  Cow  Marsh. 

13.  The  circular  letter  appointed  to  be  drawn  up  the  last  year  for 
this  Association  not  coming  to  hand.  Brother  Robert  Kelsay  was  de- 
sired to  prepare  one  to  the  churches;  and  having  brought  in  the 
same,  it  was  read,  approved,  and  is  as  follows : 

CIRCULAR  LETTER. 

BY  REV.  ROBERT  KELSAY. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  churches  met  at  Scotch 
Plains,  New  Jersey. 

Send  our  Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  Brethren, — Through  the  sparing  mercies  of  God,  we  have 
been  permitted  to  see  the  revolution  of  another  year,  and  to  meet 
together,  although  not  at  the  place  appointed  by  our  last  Association. 
Nevertheless,  we  have  abundant  cause  to  admire  the  goodness  of  God, 
that  we  have  a  being,  and  are  not  driven  fron  our  habitations  as  many 
of  our  brethren  have  been.  Dark  and  gloomy  are  the  clouds  which 
hang  over  us ;  therefore,  brethren,  since  the  Lord  seems  to  be  con- 
tending with  our  guilty  land,  both  by  sword  and  epidemical  diseases, 
his  judgments  being  so  evidently  amongst  us,  there  is  a  loud  call  to 
the  inhabitants  in  general,  and  especially  to  his  professing  people, 
to  learn  lessons  of  righteousness.  Suffer  us,  therefore,  your  friends, 
brethren  and  ministers,  to  i-ecommend  these  few  things  in  love  to 
your  serious  consideration. 

First.  We  exhort  you  in  the  words  of  our  Lord,  to  watch  against 
a  drowsy  disposition,  and  remissness  in  fulfilling  the  solemn  obliga- 
tions incumbent  upon  us,  to  the  glory  of  him  that  called  us  out  of 
darkness  into  his  marvellous  light. 

Secondly.  Take  Special  heed  to  maintain  peace  amongst  your- 
selves, in  these  days  of  confusion.  And,  let  every  one  be  honestly 
engaged  to  fill  up  their  proper  stations  as  creatures  bound  to  eter- 
nity, not  knowing  how  long  we  may  enjoy  those  privileges  which  we 
have  abused.  Let  it  never  be  said  of  one  professing  to  be  born  from 
above,  that  such  a  one  is  careless  in  prayer ;  reading  the  scriptures ; 


MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION, 


157 


attending  worship  and  maintaining  discipline,  seeing  we  must  all  be 
accountable  to  God  for  our  stewardship  at  last. 

Thus,  brethren,  in  a  few  words,  we  commend  you  to  God  and  the 
word  of  his  grace.     Subscribing  ourselves  yours  in  gospel  relations. 

Isaac  Stelle,  Moderator. 
William  Van  Horne,  Clerk. 

THE   MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGEES  AT  THE    ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 
1 

•3  3 
•< 

ft 

1 

ft 

B 

2 

K 

a 

Pennepek, 

f  Samuel  Jones,* 
1  Peter  Smith, 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

73 

Middletown,- 

5  Abel  Morgan,* 
(  James  Mott, 

5 

0 

0 

3 

0 

141 

Piscataqua,  - 

f Isaac  Stelle, 
■j  Moses  IMartin, 
(  Randolph  Drake, 

2 

0 

0 

2 

0 

75 

Cohansie, " 

(  Robert  Kelsay, 
■{  Philip  Shepherd, 
i  David  Elwell, 

0 

0 

1 

3 

0 

76 

Welsh  Tract, 

John  Sutton, 

2 

0 

0 

2 

0 

120 

Great  Valley, 

John  Davies,* 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

68 

Cape  May,t' 

David  Smith,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

52 

Hopewell,  - 

f  Benjamin  Coles, 
-|  Nathaniel  Stout, 
(  James  Darrah, 

101 

0 

1 

7 

1 

247 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffiths,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

29 

]Montgomery, 

John  Thomas, 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

101 

Kingwood,  ' 

S  David  Sutton, 
(  Andrew  Bray, 

1 

2 

5 

0 

0 

82 

Southampton, 

William  Vanhorne, 
John  Blackwell,* 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

CI 

Philadelphia, 

Joshua  Moore, 
Thomas  Fleeson, 
^  George  Bright, 

3 

0 

3 

1 

1 

172 

Cranberry,!  ' 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

27 

Scotch  Plains, 

(  Benjamin  Miller,* 

<  John  Stites, 

(  Recompence  Stanbury, 

1 

0 

2 

2 

0 

126 

Oyster  Bay.f 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

27 

Morristown, " 

f  Reune  Runyan. 
( John  Brookfield, 

4 

2 

2 

3 

0 

81 

Knowlton,' 

John  Honeywell, 

11 

3 

0 

0 

1 

27 

Harford, 

John  Davies,* 

2 

0 

0 

2 

0 

142 

New  Britain,  f 

Joshua  John,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

50 

Salem,t  ' 

0 

0 

0, 

0 

0 

261 

158 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATIOlSr. 


CHURCHES. 


MIXISTERS  AND    MESSENGERS. 


Newtown, ' 

Bateman's  Precincts, 
Dividing  Creek, 
1.  New  York,t 

New  Mills, 

Konoloway,t 
Coram,t 

Upper  Freehold, 

Mount  Bethel, 
Goshen, 

Lyon's  Farms, 

Oblong,f 

Philip's  Patent, 

Pittsgrove,t 
Manahawkin,f 
Vincent,! 
Tuckahoe,t  ' 
Northern  Liberty,  f 
2.  New  York,t 
Stamford, 
King  Street,! 


f  Nicholas  Cox, 

I  Hezekiah  Smith,  sr., 

Samuel  Waldo,* 

Samuel  Heaton, 

John  Gano,* 

I  Samuel  Gaskill, 
Joseph  Poweel,* 


<  Thomas  Cox,  jr., 
(  Edward  Taylor, 

John  Worth, 

f  James  Benedict, 
I  William  Howard, 


I  Ichabod  Grummon, 

Simon  Dawkin,* 

f  John  Lawrence,* 
[  Ebenezer  Ward, 

William  AVorth, 

Henry  Crossly,* 


William  Lock,* 


John  Dodge,* 


0    0 


1    1 

0    1 


0    0    0 


0    0 
0    0 


188    15  17135    3|3013 


80 
152 

32 
139 

53 
60 
34 

61 

27 

141 

22 

92 

108 
40 
15 
57 
24 
15 
14 
31 
13 


Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in    small  capitals.     Those  marked  thus  * 
not  present.       The  churches  marked  thus  f  sent  neither  letters  nor  messengers, 
and  their  numbers  remain  as  last  year.     A  dash  — 
minister. 


denotes  no  settled 


1777. 

[In  consequence  of  the  ravages  of  war,  and  Philadelphia  being  occupied 
by  the  British  army,  the  Association  held  no  meeting  this  year. — Ed.] 


MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  HOPEWELL,  NEW  JERSEY,  OCTOBER  13tH  AND  14tH, 

1778. 


1.  October  13 — The  Association  being  met  at  three  o'clock, 
p.  M.,  according  to  appointment,  it  was  opened  with  a  suitable  dis- 
course, from  Matt.  xxii.  4,  by  Brother  Abel  Morgan. 

2.  After  service,  proceeded  to  make  choice  of  a  moderator  and 
clerk.  To  the  former  appointed  Benjamin  Miller,  and  to  the  latter 
Samuel  Jones,  and  then  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  next  morning. 

3.  October  14th,  nine  o'clock. — After  prayer,  proceeded  to  read 
the  letters  from  the  churches. 

4.  The  Association,  deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  cala- 
mities of  the  times,  the  prevalence  of  vice  and  profanity,  and  the 
declension  of  vital  piety  : 

Resolved,  To  recommend  to  the  churches  to  observe  four  days, 
the  ensuing  year,  of  humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer,  and  abstinence 
from  labor  and  recreations ;  viz.,  the  second  Thursday  in  November, 
February,  May,  and  August ;  and  they  entreat  the  same  may  be 
religiously  observed  in  a  solemn  and  devout  manner. 

5.  Mr.  George  Wescott  requesting  to  be  released  from  being 
treasurer  to  the  Association  ; 

Agreed,  That  Samuel  Jones  render  the  thanks  of  the  Association 
to  Mr.  Wescott  for  his  past  services,  and  be  appointed  to  that  trust 
in  his  sttadj  receive  the  money  in  said  Wescott's  hands,  and  put  the 
same  in  the  continental  fund. 

6.  A  motion  being  made  for  raising  a  fund,  the  interest  of  which 
to  be  appropriated  to  the  particular  and  express  purpose  of  preach- 
ing the  gospel  in  destitute  places,  among  the  back  settlements,  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Association  ; 

Agreed  to  recommend  the  same  to  the  churches,  and  that  the 
interest  of  whatever  may  be  raised  for  that  purpose,  shall  be  strictly 
appropriated  to  that  use  only. 

7.  Brother  John  Blackwell  appointed  to  write  a  letter  to  the  As- 
sociation in  Virginia.  The  messengers.  Brother  Thomas  Fleeson,  and 
Brother  John  Pittman. 

(159) 


160  MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

8.  Brother  Benjamin  Cole  appointed  to  write  a  letter  to  the  Asso- 
ciation in  Rhode  Island  government.  The  messengers,  Brother 
Ebenezer  Ward,  and  Brother  Elkanah  Holmes. 

9.  The  circular  letter  was  read,  and  approved  of. 

10.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter 
for  next  year.     The  subject,  Divine  Providence. 

11.  The  Association  to  meet  next  year  at  Philadelphia,  on  Tues- 
day after  the  second  Lord's  day  in  October,  at  three  o'clock,  p.  m. 

12.  Brother  Benjamin  Cole  to  preach  the  Association  sermon;  in 
case  of  failure,  Brother  Nicholas  Cox. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  REV.  SAMUEL  JONES. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  churches,  meet- 
ing at  Pennepek,  Middletown,  Piscataqua,  Cohansie,  Hopewell, 
Kingwood,  Southampton,  Philadelphia,  Scotch  Plains,  Morristown, 
Knowlton,  Newtown,  Upper  Freehold,  Mount  Bethel,  and  Pittsgrove, 
being  met  in  Association  at  Hopewell,  New  Jersey,  October  13th  and 
14th,  1778. 

The  said  churches  send  greeting. 

Dear  Brethren, — You  must  be  sensible  that  we  live  in  a  day  of 
very  general  calamity  and  distress ;  a  day  of  lukewarmness  and  hard- 
ness of  heart ;  a  day  of  great  corruption,  both  as  to  doctrine  and 
manners  :  We,  therefore,  earnestly  beseech  you  in  the  bowels  of  com- 
passion and  Christian  love,  that  you  consider  the  rod  and  him  that 
has  appointed  it ;  that  you  humble  yourselves  under  the  mighty  hand 
of  God ;  that  you  remember  from  whence  you  have  fallen,  and  re- 
pent, and  do  your  first  works ;  and  that  you  hold  fast  that  form  of 
sound  words  that  was  once  delivered  to  the  saints.  Do  not  give  up 
or  slight  any  of  the  glorious  doctrines  of  the  gospel ;  they  are  all 
excellent,  and  worthy  of  your  highest  regard.  It  is  with  real  con- 
cern we  perceive  that  real  religion  is  so  much  on  the  decline ;  and 
therefore,  we  beg  you  would  take  care,  that  you  do  not  rest  in 
mere  notions.  Notional  religion  may  carry  a  person  far  in  a  Chris- 
tian profession ;  but  experimental  knowledge  of  Christ  can  only  bring 
us  to  heaven.  We  know  it  will  be  in  vain  to  plead  "we  have  eat  and 
drank  in  thy  presence,"  and  altogether  as  vain  it  will  be  to  plead, 
"  we  have  assented  to  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,"  unless  we  feel 
their  sanctifying  influence  on  our  hesirts. 

Professors  of  religion  are  too  ready  to  join  with  the  men  of  the 
world,  in  the  useless,  vain,  and  sinful  customs  of  it ;  and  it  is  to  be 
feared,  that  the  honors,  pleasures,  and  especially  the  profits  of  the 
world,  are  too  eagerly  pursued  by  many  amongst  us,  who  name  the 
name  of  Christ.  Holy  brethren,  partakers  of  the  heavenly  calling, 
abstain  from  this  fleshly  lust,  which  warreth  against  the  soul.  Re- 
member that  we  are  not  to  love  the  world,  nor  the  things  of  the 
world.  We  are  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  earth,  and  therefore  we 
should  set  our  affections,  not  on  things  below,  but  on  things  above. 
The  woman  clothed  with  the  sun,  had  the  moon  under  her  feet.    Had 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  161 

we  a  proper  estimation  of  heavenly  things,  we  should  not  be  so  fond 
of  earthly  enjoyments. 

Consider,  dear  brethren,  whose  you  are,  and  whom  you  ought  to 
serve.  You  profess  to  be  the  people  of  the  Lord ;  you  have  declared 
your  attachment  to  Jesus  Christ:  consider,  then,  the  great  High 
Priest  of  your  profession,  who  was  holy,  harmless,  undefiled,  and 
separate  from  sinners ;  who  went  about  continually  doing  good.  So 
tread  in  his  steps,  and  imitate  his  example,  that  you  may  be  able  to 
say  to  others,  "be  ye  followers  of  us,  as  we  are  also  of  Christ." 

Moreover,  brethren,  we  exhort  you  to  pay  a  due  regard  to  the  pub- 
lic worship  of  God,  and  carefully  attend  the  means  of  grace.  The 
Lord  loveth  the  gates  of  Zion  more  than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob. 
Forsake  not,  therefore,  the  assembling  of  yourselves  together.  Wait 
on  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  strengthen  your  hearts.  Shall  the  Lord 
rain  manna  round  about  our  tents,  and  we  not  go  out  to  gather  it? 
Shall  we  starve  our  souls  by  such  cruel  negligence  ? 

Remember,  dear  brethren,  that  attendance  on  the  worship  of  God, 
in  all  the  branches  of  it,  in  the  sanctuary,  in  the  family,  and  in  the 
closet,  is  necessary  to  a  growth  in  grace,  and  a  delightful  intercourse 
with  God.  And  whether  in  the  church,  in  the  family,  or  in  the  world, 
let  it  be  your  care  to  honor  the  gospel.  Many  professors  give  them- 
selves too  much  liberty,  and  walk  not  so  circumspect  as  they  ought. 
By  this  means  the  gospel  is  sometimes  reproached,  the  doctrine  of 
grace,  and  the  good  ways  of  God  brought  into  contempt.  If  we 
were  to  adorn  our  profession  with  a  holy  life,  the  truths  of  our  holy 
religion  would  be  had  in  greater  esteem.  For  nothing  makes  religion 
appear  so  amiable  in  the  eyes  of  the  world,  or  sets  the  gospel  in  so 
respectable  a  point  of  view,  as  a  holy  life  in  those  that  profess  it.  A 
Christian  should  remember  that  he  has  always  something  to  do.  The 
duty  incumbent  on  him  is  very  extensive.  Be  desirous,  therefore, 
to  know  the  extent  of  your  duty,  and  when  you  know,  be  careful 
to  put  it  in  practice.  Then  shall  we  not  be  ashamed,  when  we  have 
respect  to  all  his  commandments,  and  in  keeping  of  them  there  is 
great  reward. 

We  would  likewise  entreat  you,  as  brethren,  to  dwell  together  in 
unity.  Stifle  the  first  risings  of  animosity.  Be  ashamed  of  being 
contentious.  Let  the  disciples  of  the  Prince  of  peace  seek  after  and 
follow  the  things  that  make  for  peace.  And  while  we  exhort  you  to 
these  necessary  duties,  we  cannot  but  put  you  in  mind,  that  all  must 
be  done  in  the  name  and  strength  of  Christ.  Without  him  we  can 
do  nothing.  In  ourselves  we  cannot  discharge  one  duty,  resist  one 
temptation,  or  subdue  one  corruption.  Let  all,  therefore,  be  done  in 
the  name,  and  with  a  dependence  on  the  grace  of  Christ. 

Motives  to  excite  and  stir  you  up  to  these  things  are  at  hand.  Let 
us,  in  this  view,  remind  you  of  the  free  love  of  God,  by  which  you 
were  chosen  to  salvation  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and  be- 
lief of  the  truth.  Remember  the  love  of  Christ,  who  redeemed  you 
by  his  blood,  and  the  great  things  the  Spirit  of  God  has  done  for 
your  souls,  in  the  apphcation  of  that  precious  blood  to  purge  your 

21 


162  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

consciences  from  dead  works.  And  may  you  not  only  think  on 
these  things,  but  by  the  grace  of  God  feel  the  power  of  them  on  your 
hearts  continually. 

And  now,  dear  brethren,  what  shall  we  say  more  to  you.  Our 
hearts  are  enlarged.  We  seek  not  yours  but  you.  Above  all  things 
we  desire  your  spiritual  welfare.  For  this  we  meet  together,  for  this 
we  pray,  for  this  we  preach,  for  this  we  give  our  advice,  and  wish 
we  could  do  more.  Dearly  beloved,  follow  that  which  is  good,  for- 
sake that  which  is  evil,  "be  steadfast,  unmoveable,  always  abounding 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord."  Amen. 

Benjamin  Miller,  Moderator. 
Samuel  Jones,  Clerk. 


MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  12tH  AND  13tH, 

1779. 


The  Association  being  met  according  to  appointment,  it  was 
opened  with  a  suitable  discourse  from  2  Cor.  v.  20,  by  Brother  Ben- 
jamin Miller. 

2.  After  service  proceeded  to  make  choice  of  a  moderator  and 
clerk.  To  the  former  appointed  Benjamin  Miller,  and  to  the  latter 
Samuel  Jones. 

3.  After  reading  a  few  of  the  letters  from  the  churches,  adjourned 
to  nine  o'clock  next  morning. 

4.  October  13th,  9  o'clock. — After  prayer,  proceeded  to  read  the 
remainder  of  the  letters. 

5.  The  circular  letter  read  and  approved  of. 

6.  Mr.  Samuel  Jones  reported  that  on  settling  with  Mr.  Wescott, 
it  appeared  there  was  a  balance  of  one  hundred  and  nine  pounds, 
nineteen  shillings,  and  one  penny  in  said  Wescott's  hands,  which  he 
put  in  the  continental  fund. 

7.  Also,  that  he  had  received  of  the  money  of  Mrs.  Hubb's  donation, 
two  hundred  and  twenty-eight  pounds,  fifteen  shillings,  and  two 
pence.     Agreed  the  same  be  put  in  the  continental  fund. 

8.  The  piece  written  by  Mr.  Morgan  on  fasting  and  prayer  being 
read  and  much  approved  of,  agreed  the  same  be  printed  with  our 
letter. 

9.  Concluded  to  continue  the  days  of  fasting  and  prayer  as  in  the 
year  past,  viz  :  the  second  Thursday  in  November,  February,  May, 
and  August. 

10.  Brother  James  Benedict  having  lately  suffered  by  the  Indians, 
agreed  to  recommend  his  case  to  the  churches,  and  desire  them  to 
make  collections  for  his  relief,  and  convey  the  same  as  soon  as  may 
be  to  Mr.  Coles,  at  Hopewell. 

11.  There  being  a  call  for  the  catechisms  from  divers  places,  agreed 
that  the  churches  inquire  among  themselves,  and  see  how  many  they 
will  take  of  them,  at  seven  shillings  and  sixpence  apiece,  and  make  a 
return  of  the  same  to  the  next  Association. 

(163) 


164  MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

12.  Brother  Thomas  Fleeson  to  write  to  the  Association  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  be  a  messenger  to  them. 

13.  Brother  John  Blackwell  to  write  to  the  Warren  Association, 
and  Brother  Elcanah  Holmes  to  be  messenger. 

14.  Brother  Abel  Morgan  to  prepare  the  Association  letter  for 
next  year. 

15.  The  Association  next  year  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  on 
Tuesday  after  the  third  Sunday  in  October,  at  3  o'clock. 

16.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  to  preach  the  Association  sermon,  and 
in  case  of  failure,  Brother  John  Blackwell. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BT  RET.  SAMUEL  JONES. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  churches  meet- 
ing at  Pennepek,  Middletown,  Piscataqua,  Cohansie,  Hopewell,  Mont- 
gomery, Kingwood,  Southampton,  Philadelphia,  Scotch  Plains,  Mor- 
ristown.  New  Britain,  Pitsgrove,  Newtown,  Dividing  Creek,  New 
Mills,  Upper  Freehold,  Lyon's  Farms,  and  Oblong,  being  met  in 
Association  at  Philadelphia,  October  12th  and  13th,  1779. 
To  the  said  churches  send  greeting. 

Dearly  beloved  brethren, — Seventy-two  years  have  now  elapsed 
since  the  first  Association  that  was  held  in  this  place ;  during  which 
period,  but  more  especially  of  late,  we  have  been  led  to  note  many 
remarkable  displays  of  Divine  Providence,  which,  by  appointment,  is 
to  be  the  subject  of  our  present  address.  Confession  of  faith, 
chap.  V. 

When  we  admit  the  divine  authority  of  the  holy  Scripture,  and  by 
the  light  thereof,  together  with  that  of  nature,  we  discover  the  being 
and  perfections  of  God,  we  are  next  led  to  consider  his  purposes 
and  decrees,  and  the  execution  of  these  in  the  works  of  creation  and 
providence.  These  are  all  material  objects  of  faith,  and  main  pil- 
lars, as  well  as  essential  parts  of  true  religion. 

That  the  all-wise  and  omnipotent  Jehovah  is  the  Creator  and  dis- 
poser of  all  things  is  a  matter  of  general  consent,  discoverable  by 
the  light  of  nature  ;  insomuch  that  creation  and  providence  may  be 
said  to  be  the  two  testaments  out  of  which  natural  religion  is  deduced  ; 
but  still  much  more  manifest  by  the  sure  testimony  of  the  Scripture 
of  truth.     See  Ps.  civ. ;  Acts  xvii.  25,  28,  &c. 

Creation  is  the  eifect  of  Almighty  power  and  wisdom,  whereby  the 
eternal  God  created  all  things,  visible  and  invisible,  even  the  whole 
universe,  out  of  nothing.  Col.  i.  16.  But  chiefly  man,  the  glory  of 
this  lower  creation,  being  made  after  his  own  image,  in  knowledge, 
righteousness,  and  true  holiness.     Gen.  i.  27. 

By  Divine  Providence  is  meant  the  superintendence  of  the  Deity 
over  all  his  works  and  all  possible  events.      Whereby, 

1.  He  upholds  and  sustains  all  things,  animate  and  inanimate. 
Heb.  i.  3  ;  Acts  xvii.  28. 

2.  Provides  for  all  living.  Acts  xvii.  25  ;  Ps.  civ.  21 ;  cxxxvi.  25. 

3.  And  governs  the  whole  universe.     Ps.  ciii.  19.     Providence  is, 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  165 

1.  General,  Acts  xvii.  25,  or  particular,  Matt.  x.  29. 

2.  Mediate,  by  second  causes,  1  Kings,  xiii.  24  ;  xxii.  22,  and  the 
fixed  laws  of  nature.     Or  immediate  by  his  will  and  appointment. 

3.  Ordinary,  in  the  common  course  of  things,  or  extraordinary. 
1  Kings  xvii.  4 ;  Dan.  vi.  22 ;  iii.  27. 

In  this  view  we  are  led  to  conceive  of  the  Divine  Being  as  the  head 
of  a  vast  family,  extending  his  care  and  beneficence  to  every  indi- 
vidual of  it ;  or  as  a  great  monarch,  who  has  his  eye  not  only  on 
those  near  his  throne,  but  extends  the  benefits  of  his  benign  influence 
to  the  remotest  parts  of  his  vast  dominions.  For  as  we  would  not 
expect  the  greatest  to  be  above,  so  neither  are  the  least  below  his 
notice ;  insomuch  that  a  sparrow  does  not  fall  to  the  ground  without 
him,  and  the  very  hairs  of  our  heads  are  all  numbered.  Matt.  x. 
29,  30. 

0  how  august  and  stupendous  this  work  of  God !  It  is  a  most  rich 
display  of  all  the  divine  perfections  ;  especially  of  wisdom,  goodness, 
and  power ;  and  it  excites  and  improves  all  the  powers,  best  faculties 
and  aifections  of  the  soul,  as  well  as  every  grace  and  virtue  ;  as  love, 
reverence,  admiration,  gratitude  and  the  like.  For  who  can  contem- 
plate such  manifestation  of  power  as  we  see  in  the  ways  of  Providence, 
and  not  feel  a  reverential  awe  of  him,  who  controls  and  sustains  all 
creation  ?  Who  can  view  that  infinite  wisdom  manifest  in  the  whole, 
and  not  be  filled  with  wonder  and  astonishment  ?  Or  who  can  trace 
the  footsteps  of  goodness  and  mercy  visible  every  where,  but  espe- 
cially in  the  recovery  of  man,  which  is  a  particular  dispensation  of 
Providence,  and  not  feel  the  springs  of  love,  gratitude,  and  praise 
excited  in  him  ?  Surely  one  would  think  it  must  be  impossible ;  but 
we  shall  grow  wiser  and  better  while  we  read  in  the  book  of  Provi- 
dence that  lies  continually  open  before  us.  Yet,  after  all,  we  must 
remember  that  in  our  present  state  we  can  comprehend  but  a  very 
small  part  of  this  vast  whole,  as  it  is  mentioned  in  the  book  of  Job. 
"  Lo,  these  are  parts  of  his  ways,  but  how  little  a  portion  is  heard 
of  him."     Job  xxvi.  14. 

But  as  all  the  ways  of  God  are  mysterious  to  us  in  this  imperfect 
state,  while  we  are  so  prone  to  judge  of  the  whole  from  seeing  a  part, 
so  there  lies  one  objection  against  the  doctrine  we  are  speaking  of. 
Not  such  as  has  been  made  by  those  who  are  fond  of  caviling,  but 
which  has  been  a  difficulty  to  the  godly.  To  the  Psalmist,  Ps.  Ixxiii. 
2,  5.  To  Jeremiah,  Jer.  xii.  1 ;  Heb.  i.  13 ;  and  to  Job,  x.  3,  and 
many  others  since  :  namely,  that  it  is  not  just  and  equal,  the  wicked 
being  often  prosperous  and  the  righteous  afilicted.  To  which  it 
might  be  sufiicient  to  say  with  the  Apostle,  "  Who  art  thou  that  re- 
pliest  against  God?"     Rom.  ix.  20. 

But  we  would  further  observe, 

1.  Inequality  is  necessai-y  in  all  governments,  and  the  beauty  of 
them,  as  there  must  be  diff'erent  members  in  a  body. 

2.  Wicked  men  may  have  some  virtues,  which  cannot  be  rewarded 
but  in  this  life. 

3.  All  do  not  prosper. 


166  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

4.  The  prosperous  wicked  are  not  so  happy  as  they  are  thought 
to  be.     Prov.  xiv.  13,  14. 

5.  Their  prosperity  will  have  an  end ;  while,  on  the  other  hand, 

6.  The  righteous  have  imperfections. 

7.  And  afflictions  are  necessary  to  perfect  them  in  grace  and 
holiness. 

8.  Lastly,  their  reward  will  be  hereafter,  when  the  equality  will  be 
made.  Ps.  Ixxxiii.  17. 

In  regard  of  the  question,  how  Providence  can  be  versant  about 
evil  actions  without  destroying  the  liberty  of  the  will,  but  that  man 
may  still  remain  a  free  agent,  we  have  but  room  to  suggest,  that 
what  is  natural  in  the  act  is  of  God,  what  is  sinful  of  man,  like  the 
ascending  of  vapors  and  exhalations  from  all  bodies  is  owing  to  the 
sun ;  but  that  stench  should  arise  from  any,  is  owing  to  their  being 
corrupted  in  themselves.  So,  also,  speaking  is  from  God ;  but  speak- 
ing wickedly  from  man. 

As  for  the  concerns  of  Providence  with  good  actions,  there  is  but 
little  danger  of  our  erring  by  ascribing  too  much  to  it. 

Finally,  brethren,  the  well  ordering,  sustaining,  and  overruling  all 
things  and  all  possible  events,  in  the  whole  universe,  and  through  all 
ages,  is  the  object  of  Providence,  under  the  direction  of  him,  whose 
kingdom  ruleth  over  all.     Ps.  ciii.  19. 

Two  or  three  things  we  would  now  point  out  by  way  of  improve- 
ment, and  so  conclude. 

First.  We  ought  to  accustom  ourselves  to  see  and  acknowledge 
our  God,  and  set  him  before  us,  in  all  these  his  ways,  wherein  his 
wisdom,  power,  mercy,  and  goodness  shine. 

1.  That  such  a  display  of  divine  perfections  may  not  pass  unheeded. 

2.  That  so  much  goodness  may  not  be  lost  on  us,  and  rise  up  in 
judgment  against  us. 

3.  That  we  may  not  miss  of  means  so  powerful  to  promote  virtue 
and  vital  piety. 

4.  Wherein  if  we  fail  we  must  be  stupid  and  ungrateful  to  a  degree 
not  only  unworthy  of  the  Christian,  and  the  means  we  enjoy,  but 
also  of  the  powers  we  are  endowed  with.     Dan.  v.  23. 

Second.  When  chastised,  we  ought  to  "  hear  the  rod  and  him  that 
has  appointed  it."  Mich.  vi.  9.  This  is  and  has  been  our  case  for 
some  years  past,  which  we  have  not  room  now  to  enlarge  upon. 

Third.  When  the  profusion  of  a  kind  Providence  is  showered  on 
our  heads,  it  becomes  us  to  be  taught  humility,  dependence,  love,  and 
gratitude.  Rom.  ii.  4.  And  this  has  always  been  our  case,  though 
more  remarkably  of  late,  when  the  Lord  remembered  mercy  in  the 
midst  of  deserved  judgment.  For  if  you  consider  the  steps  whereby 
divine  Providence  interposed  in  our  favor  during  the  present  contest 
with  Great  Britain,  you  must  see  and  know  that  the  most  high  God 
ruleth  in  the  kingdom  of  men,  and  that  he  appointed  over  it  whom- 
soever he  will.     Dan.  v.  21. 

Thus,  dear  brethren,  we  have  just  entered  on  the  subject,  and,  as 
it  were,  traced  some  of  its  outlines,  than  which  our  limits  would  al- 


MINUTES   OP  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  167 

low  US  little  more.  We  shall  now  conclude  in  the  words  of  the  Apos- 
tle to  the  Romans,  chap.  xi.  33,  36.  ''  0  the  depth  of  the  riches,  both 
of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God !  How  unsearchable  are  his 
judgments,  and  his  ways  past  finding  out !  For  of  him,  and  through 
him,  and  to  him,  are  all  things,  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.     Amen." 

Benjamin  Miller,  Moderator. 

Samuel  Jones,  Clerk. 

ON  FASTING  AND  PKAYER. 

BY  REV.  AEEL  MORGAN. 

In  compliance  with  the  request  of  a  former  Association,  here  fol- 
low some  brief  remarks  concerning  fasting.  That  it  is  the  duty  of 
Christians,  on  certain  occasions,  to  fast  or  to  abstain  from  their  usual 
refreshment,  at  the  stated  times,  cannot  with  any  just  reason  be  once 
called  into  question ;  forasmuch  as  Christ  himself  takes  it  for  granted, 
"  when  thou  fastest,"  and  proceeds  to  give  necessary  directions  how 
to  act  therein.  Matt.  vi.  16.  Of  the  various  kinds  or  diversities  of 
fasts,  our  concern  at  present  is  only  about  a  religious  fast,  which  is 
either  private  or  public ;  private,  when  one  alone  sets  himself  by 
fasting  and  prayer  to  seek  the  Lord,  as  David  did,  who  fasted,  lying 
all  night  upon  the  earth,  2  Sam.  xii.  16.  Daniel,  who  sought  by 
prayer  and  fasting,  ix.  3.  Anna,  a  prophetess,  who  served  God  with 
fastings  and  prayers,  Luke  ii.  37.  Public  fasting,  appointed  either 
by  the  civil  power,  as  Jehosaphat  proclaimed  a  fast  throughout  all 
Judah,  2  Chron.  xx.  8  ;  also  Ezra,  vii.  14;  viii.  21.  The  king  of  Nine- 
yah,  Jonah  iii.  5.  Or  by  mutual  agreement  of  the  members  of  churches  ; 
for  instance,  in  that  famous  Christian  church  at  Antioch,  when  Bar- 
nabas and  Saul,  by  the  command  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  were  separated 
to  the  work  appointed  them,  Acts  xiii.  2,  3. 

The  concomitants,  or  what  should  accompany  religious  fastings, 
are :  1,  unfeigned  confession  of  our  sins,  Dan.  ix.  5,  with  a  sense  of 
the  evil  of  them,  and  turning  from  them  to  God ;  otherwise,  it  ap- 
pears so  much  like  hypocrisy  and  lying  to  God  with  our  tongues. 
Also  2,  with  prayer,  Joel  i.  14 ;  emphatically  expressed  by  "  crying 
unto  the  Lord."  3,  undissembled  humiliation,  intimated  by  outward 
tokens,  as  being  clothed  with  sackcloth  and  laying  in  ashes,  Dan.  ix. 
3 ;  Jonah  iii.  8.  And  4,  to  avoid  all  acts  of  oppression,  and  to  show 
kindness  to  the  needy.  The  fast  which  the  Lord  has  chosen,  and 
which  he  approves  of,  is  to  loose  the  bands  of  wickedness,  to  undo  the 
heavy  burdens,  and  to  let  the  oppressed  go  free,  to  break  every  yoke, 
to  deal  your  bread  to  the  hungry,  to  relieve  the  poor,  to  cover  the 
naked,  Isaiah  Iviii.  6,  7.  Alas,  how  far  are  our  fasts  from  being 
accompanied  with  those  things  which  the  Lord  requires ! 

The  occasions  of  fasting  and  prayer  are  such  as :  1.  To  deprecate 
lawful  judgments  felt  or  feared;  as  sword,  famine,  pestilence,  or 
other  sore  afflictions.  2.  To  intreat  for  the  revival  of  religion,  the 
coming  and  spread  of  the  Mediator's  kingdom,  success  of  the  gospel, 
unity  of  Christians,  and  the  like  desirable  blessings.    3.  Occasion  on 


168  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

some  weighty,  important  undertakings,  as  the  constitution  of  churches, 
ordination  of  church  officers.  Acts  xiv.  23.  Preparation  for  the  re- 
ception of  the  Lord's  supper,  protection  from  imminent  danger, 
Ezra  viii.  21. 

The  length  of  time  to  be  observed  in  fasting  is  not  determined ;  it 
must  be  regulated  by  agreement,  prudence,  or  public  order ;  at  least 
it  ought  to  be  so  long  till  public  worship  is  over. 

When  our  continent  is  filled  with  tears  and  blood,  ravages  and 
desolation  abound,  perpetrated  by  English  troops,  and,  if  possible  by 
the  more  wicked  combinations  of  base  traitors  among  ourselves,  as 
now  it  is,  when  religion  declines,  and  iniquity  triumphs,  it  is  a  time 
which  calls  aloud  for  humiliation  before  God,  fasting  and  prayer, 
with  a  steadfast  endeavor  for  a  reformation  through  our  sinful 
afflicted  land. 


MINUTES 

or   THE 

PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  17tH  AND  18tH, 

1780. 


Tuesday,  October  17 — At  3  o'clock,  p.  m,,  Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  pur- 
suant to  appointment,  preached  the  introductory  sermon,  from  Matt, 
xvi.  18,  "  And  I  say  also  unto  thee,  That  thou  art  Peter,  and  upon 
this  rock  I  will  build  my  church ;  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  pre- 
vail against  it." 

2.  After  divine  service.  Rev.  Isaac  Stelle  was  elected  moderator, 
and  Rev.  William  Rogers,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  twenty-one  churches  were  read,  complaining  in 
general  of  great  declension  in  religion  and  vital  piety;  also,  of 
amazing  prevailing  stupidity,  which  are  such  tokens  of  the  divine  dis- 
pleasure as  do  loudly  call  for  deep  humiliation  of  spirit. 

The  Association  ardently  wish  to  hear  from  all  the  other  churches 
in  the  Union,  who  have,  at  this  our  annual  meeting,  neglected  writing 
to  us;  likewise  request  an  exact  return  of  their  full  number  in  com- 
munion, to  be  forwarded  to  the  next  Association,  in  order  that  the 
state  of  our  churches  may  be  published  as  formerly. 

4.  Rev.  Oliver  Hart,  of  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  and  Rev. 
William  Rogers,  of  this  city,  being  present — also,  our  brethren 
Thomas  Fleeson,  and  John  Pitman,  they  were  admitted  by  the  Asso- 
ciation to  the  full  privilege  of  members. 

5.  A  letter  from  the  Warren  Association,  held  the  12th  ult., 
brought  by  their  messenger.  Rev.  Elhanan  Winchester,  was  read, 
giving  a  most  pleasing  account  of  the  work  of  God's  Spirit  in  many 
parts  of  New  England.  Seven  hundred  and  sixty-five  members  w^ere 
added  to  their  last  Association,  and  upwards  of  one  thousand  had, 
within  one  year,  been  baptized  in  Massachusett's  State  only,  who  had 
not  then  joined  that  body. 

6.  The  minutes  of  the  Charleston  Association,  held  in  November, 
1779,  were  read.  Near  three  hundred  were  baptized  among  them 
that  year ;  two  hundred  and  thirty-nine  in  three  months,  at  Pedee, 
by  one  minister.  God  grant,  that  the  several  churches  of  this  our 
sister  Association  may  be  speedily  delivered  from  British  oppression ! 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

22  (169) 


170  MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

"Wednesday,  October  18 — Met  agreeably  to  adjournment. 

7.  A  letter  from  Cowmarsh,  Kent  county,  on  Delaware,  was  read, 
desiring  supplies,  as  they  are  destitute  of  a  stated  ministry.  The  As- 
sociation approve  the  request,  and  purpose  helping  them  as  much  as 
possible. 

8.  The  cii'cular  letter  prepared  by  the  Rev.  Abel  Morgan  was  read, 
and  unanimously  adopted.  Rev.  Samuel  Jones  was  appointed  to  com- 
pose one  for  the  next  year.     Subject — God's  Covenant. 

9.  Rev.  "William  Yanhorne,  who  was  requested  to  write  to  the 
"Warren  Association,  and  Rev.  John  Blackwell,  to  that  of  Virginia, 
brought  in  their  letters  respectively,  which,  after  examination,  were 
approved. 

The  messengers  appointed  to  -visit  the  former,  at  their  next  annual 
meeting,  are  Rev.  Messrs.  William  Rogers  and  Elhanan  Winchester, 
with  Mr.  John  Pitman.     To  the  latter,  Mr.  Thomas  Fleeson. 

10.  The  members  of  this  Association,  on  consideration  of  the 
awful  declension  of  religion  in  these  middle  States,  and  our  national 
distresses,  recommend  to  all  our  churches  to  continue  the  observation 
of  the  second  Thm'sday  in  November,  February,  May,  and  August, 
as  days  of  fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer. 

11.  After  some  conversation  on  the  state  of  the  Association 
library,  it  was  thought  proper  to  nominate  a  librai'ian.  Accordingly 
having  made  choice  of  Rev.  William  Yanhorne,  he  accepted  :  and  full 
power  is  hereby  given  him  to  collect  all  the  books  now  out,  and  dis- 
tribute them  with  those  now  on  hand,  as  he  sees  proper,  and  render 
an  account  thereof  at  our  next  meeting. 

12.  Resolved,  That  our  next  Association  be  held  in  Philadelphia, 
the  Tuesday  after  the  third  Lord's  day  in  October. 

Sermon,  at  usual  time,  by  Rev.  John  Blackwell;  or,  on  failure,  by 
Rev.  Nicholas  Cox. 

13.  Rev.  Oliver  Hart  was  unanimously  requested  to  preach  this 
evening. 

Thus  hanng,  through  Divine  favor,  enjoyed  a  comfortable  inter- 
view tocrether,  upon  finishing  our  business,  we  closed  at  one  o'clock, 
in  Christian  love  and  fellowship. 

CIRCULAR   LETTER. 

BY  REV.  ABEL  MORGAN. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  churches,  meet- 
ing at  Pennepek,  Middleto'ftTi,  Piscataqua,  Cohansie,  Tredvffrin, 
Cape  May,  Hopewell,  Brandywine,  Montgomery,  Southampton,  Phila- 
delphia, Cranberry,  Scotch  Plains,  New  Britain,  Salem,  Newtown, 
Dividing  Creek,  New  Mills,  Upper  Freehold,  Lyon's  Farms,  and 
Pittsgrove. 

To  the  said  churches  send  our  Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  Brethren, — At  the  close  of  our  annual  Association,  we 
now  address  you  on  the  solemn  subject  of  the  sixth  chapter  of  our 
Confession  of  faith,  which  treats  of  the  Fall  of  Man. 

Such  is  the  excellency  and  usefulness  of  divine  revelation  contained 
in  that  sadly  neglected  book,  the  Bible,  that  it  affords  us  an  infallible 


MINUTES   OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  171 

certainty  respecting  things  past,  present,  and  to  come,  which  do  so 
nearly  concern  us  to  know;  among  other  articles,  man's  creation, 
who  was  made  upright,  righteous  and  holy,  after  the  likeness,  or 
image  of  God,  happy  in  the  favor  of  God,  and  communion  with  him, 
endued  with  power  to  fulfil  the  law,  given  him  for  the  rule  of  his  obe- 
dience to  his  Creator,  in  that  perfect  state- 
Moreover,  by  the  same  word  of  truth,  we  are  assured  of  the  sor- 
rowful change  which  befel  our  first  parents,  by  their  acting  contrary 
to  the  command  of  God ;  beguiled  by  Satan,  the  father  of  lies,  man 
fell,  lost  his  creation  excellencies,  his  honor,  his  God, — his  favor, 
knowledge  of  him,  communion  with  him,  fitness  for  his  service,  and 
ability  to  perform  it ;  lost  his  life,  his  life  to  God,  even  his  natural 
or  animal  life  being  forfeited,  he  became  subject  to  death,  the  sanc- 
tion of  the  law,  the  penalty  denounced  in  case  of  disobedience ;  then 
the  consequents  of  his  evil  deed  immediately  took  place,  which  are 
guilt  and  depravity,  with  all  the  miseries  which  do  accompany  the 
same,  both  present  and  future.  Thus  man  became  separated  from 
God,  an  enemy  unto  him,  to  his  glory  and  government,  from  the  first 
sin,  even  until  now — obnoxious  to  the  curse  of  a  just  law  violated, 
and  under  the  wrath  of  God  due  to  transgressors ;  also,  wofully  pol- 
luted throughout  soul  and  body,  "We  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing," 
Isa.  Ixiv.  6. 

Man,  by  his  departure  from  God,  is  become  idolatrous,  turned 
from  the  only  true  God  unto  self,  which  is  the  grand  idol  of  the 
whole  world  ever  since  Adam's  revolt.  Self  was  the  very  alluring 
bait,  wrapped  up  in  the  fii'st  temptation,  "Ye  shall  be  as  gods." 
Now  it  cannot  be  otherwise,  but  that  He  who  will  not  give  his  glory  to 
another,  should  always  abhor  and  detest  any  one,  and  every  one, 
that  sets  up  another  god  in  the  room  of  the  true  God,  and  lives  to  him 
as  man  doth  to  self. 

Again,  what  further  aggravates  the  evil  of  the  first  sin  of  man, 
is  the  capacity  which  Adam  stood  in,  viz.,  as  the  public  head  and 
representative  of  all  his  posterity, — that  in  him,  and  with  him,  all 
have  sinned,  and  fell  from  happiness  in  his  first  transgression,  "  All 
have  sinned,"  Rom.  v.  12 ;  which  is  evident  not  only  by  divine  tes- 
timony, but  is  also  universally  manifested  by  the  aversion  to  good, — 
the  ignorance,  stupidity,  selfishness,  and  propensity  to  evil  apparent 
in  every  one  by  nature,  Eph.  ii.  3. 

May  we  all,  therefore,  brethren,  not  only  assent  to  the  truth  of  the 
historical  narration  of  these  things,  but  also  know  the  absolute  neces- 
sity of  a  real,  abiding  convincing  sense  of  our  case,  thus  ruined, 
guilty,  and  depraved.     In  order, 

1,  To  suppress  all  pride,  and  high  conceits  of  ourselves,  our 
supposed  excellency  and  goodness  ; 

2,  Truly  to  acknowledge  whatever  favors  mankind  receive,  that 
they  are  every  way  gratuitous,  and  wholly  undeserved ; 

3,  For  our  humiliation  before  God,  confession  of  our  sins,  and 
deep  distress  of  soul ; 

4,  To  raise  in  our  minds  a  becoming  admiration  of  God's  patience 


172  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

and  forbearance  with  a  sinful  world,  in  that  vindictive  justice  is  not 
immediately  executed  on  transgressors  ; 

5,  To  learn  the  true  and  proper  cause  of  his  forbearance, — viz.,  the 
interposition  of  the  Mediator,  Christ  Jesus,  between  the  execution 
of  the  penalty  and  man's  desert; 

6,  To  give  us  enlarged  views  of  rich  mercy  and  grace  with 
God,  in  constituting  a  way  whereby  to  restore  creatures  so  un- 
worthy from  present  ruin  and  future  misery,  even  by  his  own  beloved 
Son; 

7,  To  teach  us  the  necessity  we  are  under  of  a  renovation ; 
Again,  an  abiding  sense  of  our  case  is  necessary,  in  order  to  make 

us  all  anxiously  inquisitive  about  our  acquaintance  with,  and  an  in- 
terest in,  Christ  the  Mediator ;  and  to  excite  all  believers  in  him  to 
continued  thanksgiving  and  praise,  that  they  should  not  henceforth 
live  to  themselves,  but  unto  him  that  died  for  them,  and  rose  again. 
God,  who  is  wise  in  counsel,  and  excellent  in  working,  suffered  or 
permitted  man  to  fall,  and  thence  took  occasion  to  bring  the  greatest 
good  out  of  the  worst  of  evils,  or  overruled  the  fall  of  man,  to  the  more 
abundant  display  of  his  divine  perfections — to  the  everlasting  disap- 
pointment and  confusion  of  his  enemies,  the  security  of  his  elect,  and 
the  endless  praise  of  his  glorious  name. 
By  order, 

Isaac  Stelle,  Moderator. 
William  Rogers,  Clerk. 


MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  12tH,  13tH,  AND  14tH, 

1781. 


Tuesday,  October  23d. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  M.,  the  Association  was 
opened  with  a  suitable  discourse,  from  2  Cor.  xi.  22-28,  by  Brother 
John  Blackwell. 

2.  After  sermon,  Brother  Samuel  Jones  was  elected  moderator, 
and  Brother  Thomas  Fleeson,  clerk.  Letters  from  twenty-six  churches 
were  read. 

3.  A  letter  and  minutes  from  the  Warren  Association,  which  met 
at  South  Brimfield  in  September  last,  were  read.  Their  messengers 
to  us  were  President  Manning  and  Brother  William  Rogers. 

4.  Wednesday,  October  24th. — Met,  pursuant  to  adjournment,  at 
nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  A  special  report  in  writing,  relative  to  the  Asso- 
ciation library,  was  presented  by  Brother  William  Vanhorn,  Ordered, 
that  this  be  left  among  our  papers.  Our  brethren,  Samuel  Jones  and 
Joshua  Jones,  with  the  librarian,  are  requested  to  examine  all  the 
books,  distinguish,  by  some  mark,  those  appertaining  to  the  library, 
take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  repairing  the  bindings,  and 
make  their  report  at  our  next  annual  meeting. 

5.  Our  brethren,  Samuel  Jones,  Oliver  Hart,  Abel  Morgan,  and 
James  Manning,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration 
the  proposals  and  queries  offered  by  Pennepek,  Hopewell,  and  Phila- 
delphia churches,  and  report  thereon  in  the  afternoon. 

6.  The  church  at  Stamford  having  excommunicated  Robert  Mor- 
ris, their  late  preacher,  for  gross  immoralities,  and  departure  from 
the  faith  as  held  by  us,  we  think  proper  to  notify  the  churches,  that 
they  may  beware  of  him. 

7.  Brother  Blackwell  was  requested  to  draw  up  an  advertisement 
informing  the  public  that  David  Branson,  who  imposes  on  them  under 
the  character  of  a  Baptist  preacher,  is  an  excommunicated  person, 
and  ought  not,  by  any  means,  to  be  countenanced.  The  advertise- 
ment being  brought  in,  was  read,  and,  after  some  amendment,  ap- 
proved of.  Ordered  to  be  inserted  in  one  of  the  Philadelphia  news- 
papers. 

8.  Half  past  two  o'clock,  p.  m.     The  committee  appointed  to  con- 

(173) 


174  MINUTES   OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION". 

s.icler  tlie  proposals  and  queries  from  Pennepek,  Hopewell,  and  Phila- 
delphia churches,  respecting  the  doctrine  of  "  universal  restoration," 
and  the  proceedings  of  the  Philadelphia  church  on  that  affair,  do 
report : 

First.  That  the  proceedings  of  the  protesters  in  that  business  were 
regular  and  fair. 

Secondly.  That  the  declaration  of  the  ministers  who  were  called 
to  their  assistance,  respecting  the  protesters,  was  weighty,  full,  and 
decisive. 

Thirdly.  That  although  the  non  signers  are  already  virtually  ex- 
cluded, yet,  in  order  to  their  more  formal  excommunication,  the 
Philadelphia  church  be  advised  to  appoint  at  their  meeting  of  busi- 
ness, two  of  their  regular  male  members  to  go  with  the  protest  to 
the  non  protesters,  one  by  one,  in  order  to  their  signing  it,  and  warn 
them,  that  in  case  they  refuse  to  sign,  they  should  openly  and  for- 
mally, by  name,  be  excommunicated. 

Samuel  Jones, 
Oliver  Hart,. 
Abel  Morgan, 
James  Manning. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  above  report  of  the  committee  is 
approved ;  and  that  this  Association  advise  all  the  churches  to  be- 
ware of  Elhanan  Winchester,  and  not  admit  him,  or  any  who  advo- 
cate "  universal  salvation,"  to  the  office  of  public  teaching,  or  suffer 
any  who  avow  the  same  to  continue  in  their  communion. 

9.  Brother  Oliver  Hart  was  appointed  to  write  a  letter,  in  order  to 
be  forwarded  to  the  next  Warren  Association ;  and  our  brethren, 
Abel  Griffith,  William  Rogers,  Elkanah  Holmes,  and  Nicholas  Cox, 
were  chosen  messengers. 

10.  Brother  William  Rogers  was  requested  to  wi'ite  to  the  next 
Virginia  Association ;  and  our  brethren,  Thomas  Fleeson  and  Philip 
Hughes  were  appointed  messengers. 

11.  Thursday,  October  25th. — Met  at  sunrise.  The  general  let- 
ter to  the  churches,  drawn  by  Brother  Samuel  Jones,  being  read, 
was  approved  of;  and  Brother  Oliver  Hart  was  nominated  to  write 
one  for  next  year.     Subject — "  Christ  the  Mediator." 

12.  Supplies  were  granted  to  the  following  destitute  churches  : — 
Knowlton,  Tuckahoe,  Cowmarsh,  and  Upper  Freehold. 

13.  Voted,  That  the  next  Association  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  to 
begin  on  Tuesday  after  the  third  Lord's  day  in  October,  at  three 
o'clock,  p.  M.  Introductory  sermon  by  Brother  Nicholas  Cox;  in 
case  of  failure,  by  Brother  Abel  Morgan. 

14.  And  now,  dear  brethren,  having  come  to  a  close  of  our  annual 
meeting,  before  we  address  you  by  our  circular  letter,  we  feel  our- 
selves constrained  to  acknowledge  the  great  goodness  of  God  towards 
us,  and  to  call  on  you  to  join  with  us  in  thankfulness  and  praise,  aa 
well  for  the  unanimity  and  brotherly  love  which  prevailed  through- 
out our  meeting,  as  for  the  recent  signal  success  granted  to  the 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  175 

American  arms,  in  the  surrender  of  the  "whole  British  army, 
under  the  command  of  Lord  Cornwallis,  with  the  effusion  of  so 
little  blood. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER, 

BY  RET.  SAMUEL  JONES. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  churches  met  in  Asso- 
ciation at  Philadelphia,  October  23d,  1781. 

To  the  several  churches  in  union  with  this  Association,  send 
greeting. 

Dearly  beloved  in  the  Lord, — In  the  connection  of  divine  truth,  and 
progress  of  our  order,  we  come  to  write  to  you,  in  the  next  place,  of 
what,  in  our  Confession  of  faith,  Chap.  VII.,  is  called  God's  Covenant ; 
by  which  is  meant  the  transactions  of  God  with  and  tOAvards  man, 
respecting  his  duty  and  happiness ;  more  especially  the  exertions  of 
infinite  wisdom  and  mercy,  in  the  contrivance  and  establishment  of 
the  scheme  of  redemption,  for  the  recovery  and  salvation  of  lost  man, 
through  a  precious  and  blessed  Mediator. 

Passing  over  the  prohibition  to  Adam,  respecting  the  forbidden 
fruit,  which  is  commonly  called  the  covenant  of  works,  his  being  the 
public  head  and  representative  of  his  posterity,  as  he  certainly  was, 
Rom.  V.  12,  we  come  to  the  intimation  made  to  him  immediately 
after  the  fall,  respecting  the  seed  of  the  woman,  that  it  should  bruise 
the  serpent's  head  ;  upon  which  is  founded  the  notion  of  the  covenant 
of  grace  made  with  Adam,  which  was  nothing  else  than  a  bare  dis- 
covery, revelation,  and  manifestation  of  the  eternal  counsel  of  God, 
respecting  man's  recovery,  carrying  in  it  a  promise  of  eternal  life. 
No  stipulations  and  re-stipulations,  no  conditions  whatever  ;  nothing 
more  nor  less  to  be  performed  on  Adam's  part;  nothing  but  a  glori- 
ous manifestation,  as  was  said  before,  of  the  rich  grace  and  mercy  of 
God  in  Christ.  And  the  farther  discovery  of  this  rich  grace,  that 
was  made  to  the  patriarchs,  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  was  exactly 
of  the  same  tenor  ;  a  promise,  that  in  their  seed  all  the  nations  of 
the  earth  should  be  blessed.  Gen.  xii.  3 ;  xxvi.  4 ;  xxviii.  14.  Not 
a  word  of  a  covenant,  or  any  conditions.  Hence,  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment, where  reference  is  had  thereunto,  the  same  language  is  con- 
stantly used ;  as  for  instance :  "  For  the  promise  is  unto  you  and 
your  children,"  Acts  ii.  39.  "  Of  this  man's  seed  has  God,  accord- 
ing to  his  promise,"  Acts  xiii.  23.  "  For  the  hope  of  the  promise 
made  of  God  unto  our  fathers,"  Acts  xxvi.  6.  "  Heirs  according  to 
the  promise,"  Gal.  iii.  21,  22,  29.  "  The  promise  of  eternal  inherit- 
ance," Heb.  ix.  19.  "  To  perform  the  mercy  promised,"  Luke  i.  72. 
"And  this  is  the  promise  that  he  has  promised  us,  even  eternal 
life,"  1  John  ii.  29.  For  all  the  promises  of  God  in  him,  are  not 
yea  and  nay,  if  you  will,  and  if  not,  in  the  strain  of  a  covenant,  but 
yea  and  amen,  2  Cor.  i.  20.  In  like  manner,  we  read  of  gifts :  "  If 
thou  knewest  the  gift  of  God,"  John.  iv.  10.  "  Free  gift,"  Rom.  v. 
15-18.  "Unspeakable  gift,"  2  Cor.  ix.  15.  "  Gave  gifts  unto  men," 
Eph.  iv.  8.     Hence,  also,  the  administrations  of  grace  are  called  the 


176  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Old  and  New  Testament,  because  a  testament  contains  free  gifts  and 
legacies  made  over,  and  insured  to  the  heirs.  It  is  true  we  read  in 
Isa.  lix.  21,  "As  for  me,  this  is  my  covenant  with  them."  And  in 
Jer.  xxxi.  31-34,  "  I  will  make  a  new  covenant  with  the  house  of 
Israel,  after  those  days,  saith  the  Lord,"  speaking  of  the  gospel  day. 
With  respect  to  which  we  observe.  First.  That  in  these  places  you 
see  nothing  that  looks  like  a  covenant.  Secondly.  That  the  word 
covenant,  in  the  Old  Testament,  sometimes  means  a  statute,  ordinance, 
establishment,  appointment  and  decree,  as  in  Jer.  xxxiii.  2  ;  Gen. 
ix.  9-11 ;  Numb,  xviii.  19.  Thirdly.  That  the  use  of  the  word  cove- 
nant might  be  more  consonant  with  that  legal  dispensation,  than  that 
of  a  testament.  Fourthly  and  lastly.  That  it  might  seem  odd  to 
speak  of  a  testament,  while  the  testator  was  yet  living,  as  the  Apostle 
liints,  Heb.  ix.  15,  16.  But  when  our  Saviour  was  about  to  lay  down 
his  life,  and  considered  himself  as  already  dead,  he  lays  aside  the 
use  of  the  word  covenant,  and  takes  up  the  more  proper  word  testa- 
ment, saying,  "  This  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood,"  Matt. 
xxvi.  28.  And  ever  afterward,  the  word  testament  was  constantly 
used,  when  reference  is  had  to  the  dispensations  of  grace,  as  you  may 
see  in  the  margin  of  your  Bibles.  And  besides,  when  we  consider 
the  nature  of  a  covenant,  we  clearly  see  there  could  be  no  possible 
room  for  such  a  thing  ever  to  exist  between  God  and  man,  respecting 
spiritual  things  ;  for  the  idea  of  a  covenant  necessarily  includes  these 
things  following :  1,  Mutual  wants  in  the  parties  covenanting. 
2,  Mutual  benefits  enjoyed  by  them.  3,  Power  in  each  party  to  per- 
form the  conditions  of  the  covenant.  4,  Each  party  is  brought  under 
obligations  to  the  other,  by  the  performance  of  those  conditions. 
5,  Merit  on  both  sides.  6,  and  lastly.  Neither  party  ought  to  be 
under  prior  obligations  to  the  other,  respecting  the  conditions  of  the 
covenant ;  of  which  particulars  not  one  can  be  admitted  in  the  pre- 
sent case. 

As  for  the  Abrahamic  covenant,  as  some  call  it,  it  only  respected 
temporal  things,  and  the  externals  of  religion,  though  it  had  the  pro- 
mise of  the  Messiah  tacked  to  it,  and  was  therefore  called  the  cove- 
nant of  promise,  Eph.  ii.  12.  It  was  with  regard  to  selecting  Abra- 
ham and  his  descendants  from  the  other  nations  of  the  earth  to  a 
national  church  state,  and  the  enjoyment  of  the  land  of  Canaan,  the 
peaceable  and  quiet  possession  of  which  they  were  to  enjoy,  upon 
condition  of  their  observing  the  external  rituals  of  that  dispensation, 
and  being  obedient,  which  they  promised,  and  had  in  their  power  to 
do.  And  this  was  the  covenant  of  which  they  received  circumcision, 
an  external  mark  or  token,  as  a  seal  to  confirm  it,  Gen.  xii.  18  ; 
xvii.  7,  8 ;  xxvi.  4 ;  xxviii.  14 ;  Exod.  xix.  3-9 ;  xxiv.  3-8 ;  Lev. 
xxvi.  3,  40  ;  Deut.  v.  29.  The  word  covenant  seems  to  have  been 
introduced  into  the  Christian  system  of  religion,  because  it  favored 
of  a  legal  strain,  so  acceptable  to  those  who  are  fond  of  terms  and 
conditions  to  be  performed  by  man ;  while  others  that  do  not  favor 
legalism,  yet  too  incautiously  make  use  of  the  word  covenant,  in  bare 
compliance  with   custom ;   though  these   are   generally  careful   to 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  177 

inform  us,  that  it  means  a  testamentary  covenant,  a  free,  absolute, 
unconditional  covenant,  wliicli  is  much  the  same  thing  as  to  say  that 
it  is  no  covenant  at  all. 

The  sum,  then,  is  this,  that  the  glorious  dispensations  and  manifes- 
tations of  the  rich  grace  and  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  contain  free, 
absolute,  and  unconditional  promises  of  the  free,  rich,  and  unmerited 
gifts  of  God,  conveyed  to  the  heirs  as  legacies,  in  a  testamentary 
way. 

Having  thus  shown  you,  dear  brethren,  that  there  can  be  no  such 
thing  as  a  covenant  between  God  and  man,  respecting  spiritual  bless- 
ings and  service,  we  come  now  to  consider  what  foundation  there  is 
to  style  the  glorious  transactions  between  the  persons  of  the  ever 
blessed  Trinity,  respecting  man's  recovery,  a  covenant ;  and  here, 
undoubtedly,  there  is  some  appearance  of  that  kind.  If  ever  there 
was  a  covenant  of  grace,  this  is  it.  If  ever  there  was  a  covenant  of 
redemption,  here  you  will  find  it.  And,  on  the  part  of  Christ,  a 
covenant  of  works  too ;  forasmuch  as  the  great  work  of  redemption, 
the  fulfilling  of  the  law  of  God,  in  behalf  of  his  people,  for  whom  he 
undertook  as  their  surety,  was  performed  by  him.  Psalm  cxix.  122  ; 
Isa.  xxxviii.  14. 

The  passages  of  Scripture  that  speak  of  this  glorious  transaction 
as  a  covenant,  are  these  following  :  "  And  my  covenant  shall  stand 
fast  with  him,"  Ps.  Ixxxix.  28 :  "  And  give  thee  for  a  covenant  of  the 
peoj)le,"  Isa.  xlii.  6;  xlix.  8  ;  "Neither  shall  the  covenant  of  my 
peace  be  removed,"  Isa.  Ivi.  4,  6  ;  "As  for  thee  also,  by  the  blood 
of  thy  covenant,"  Zech.  ix.  11 ;  "Even  the  messenger  of  the  cove- 
nant," Mai.  iii.  1.  But  then  it  is  spoken  of  under  other  views,  in 
these  that  follow  :  "  According  to  the  eternal  purpose,  which  he  pur- 
posed in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,"  Eph.  iii.  11 ;  "And  the  counsel  of 
peace  shall  be  between  them  both,"  Zech.  vi.  13;  "For  I  have  not 
shunned  to  declare  unto  you  the  whole  counsel  of  God,"  Acts  xx.  27  ; 
"The  immutability  of  his  counsel,"  Heb.  vi.  17;  "Being  delivered 
by  the  determinate  counsel  and  foreknowledge  of  God,"  Acts  ii.  23^ 
And  besides,  Christ  is  said  to  be  foreordained  to  that  work,  1  Pet.  i. 
20 ;  sent,  John  x.  35 ;  to  have  received  a  commandment,  John  x. 
18 ;  was  therefore  a  servant,  Isa.  xlii.  1 ;  cheerfully  obeyed,  Ps.  xl. 
7,  8 ;  and  was  rewarded,  Ps.  ii.  8 ;  Phil.  ii.  9.  From  the  whole, 
then,  we  see,  that  there  was  a  counsel  held  in  eternity,  even  from 
everlasting,  respecting  the  recovery  of  man ;  that  the  Triune  God 
did  then  contrive,  find  out,  adjust  and  settle,  speaking  after  the  man- 
ner of  men,  the  whole  plan  and  scheme  of  that  great  and  glorious 
work,  who  should  be  saved,  by  what  means,  and  after  what  manner  ; 
that  the  Son  of  God,  the  second  person  in  the  Trinity,  should  be  a 
Mediator,  should  undertake  for  his  chosen  ones  as  their  surety,  and 
should  assume  human  nature,  that  he  might  make  satisfaction  to 
divine  justice  in  their  behalf;  that  all  the  gifts  and  graces  necessary 
for  the  purpose  should  be  treasured  in  him.  Col.  i.  19.  That  the 
blessed  Spirit  should  co-operate  in  manifesting  the  whole  to  the 
world,  and  applying  the  same  to  the  chosen  ones,  namely,  by  enlight- 

ii3 


lY8  MINUTES    Cr   THE   PniLADELPIIIA   ASSOCIATION. 

ening  their  darkened  understandings,  •working  in  them  faith  and 
repentance,  changing  their  vile  afiections,  converting  them  from  the 
service  of  sin  and  Satan,  to  the  service  of  the  living  God,  carrying 
on  the  work  of  grace  begun,  and  keeping  them  by  the  power  of  God, 
unto  salvation ;  by  every  means  making  them  meet  for  the  inherit- 
ance of  the  saints  in  light,  and  finally  bringing  them  to  the  full  pos- 
session of  it. 

Thus,  dear  brethren,  "we  have  briefly  laid  before  you  the  plan  of 
our  redemption,  as  concerted  in  eternity,  and  brought  into  effect  in 
time.  You  see  the  glorious  covenant  of  grace,  which  was  well 
ordered  in  all  things,  and  sure.  You  see  the  Son  of  God  appointed 
to  the  mediatorial  work,  and  all  grace  treasured  up  in  him  for  that 
purpose.  You  see  him  undertake,  go  through  with  it,  and  the  Spirit 
co-operate  to  accomplish  the  whole.  You  see  the  dispensations  of 
grace  to  man  are  free,  absolute,  and  unconditional ;  the  gifts  of  God 
dispersed  in  a  testamentary  way,  free  and  firm.  Nothing  of  works, 
but  all  of  grace.  Nothing  of  the  will  of  man,  but  all  of  the  will  of 
God  ;  that  we  might  all,  and  at  all  times,  cry  grace,  grace,  and  who- 
soever glorieth,  might  glory  in  the  Lord. 

0  blessed  and  glorious  scheme  !  What  a  rich  display  have  we  here 
of  the  wisdom,  justice,  holiness,  truth,  mercy,  pity,  compassion,  and 
condescension  of  God  !  See  the  harmony  of  the  divine  attributes  in 
this  stupendous  plan,  that  is  every  way  worthy  of  a  God !  What 
shall  we  render  unto  him  for  such  rich,  unmerited  grace !  Never  to 
the  endless  ages  of  eternity,  never  shall  we  be  able  to  render  ade- 
quate compensation.  0  that  the  love  of  God  were  abundantly  shed 
abroad  in  each  of  our  hearts,  that  we  might  for  ever  admire,  with 
astonishment  admire,  his  rich  grace ;  that  we  might  for  ever  love,  fear, 
honor,  reverence,  and  serve  him,  with  all  our  hearts  unfeignedly. 

"  Now,  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead  our 
Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of 
the  everlasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work  to 
do  his  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well  pleasing  in  his  sight, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen." 
By  order  of  the  Association, 

Samuel  Jones,  Moderator, 
Thomas  Fleeson,  Clerk. 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


179 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS   AT   THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
THE  STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  FOR  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 


Penuepek, 

Middletown, 

Cohansie, 

Great  Valley, 

Cape  May, 

Hopewell, 

Brandywine, 

Kingwood, 

Soutiianipton, 

Philadelphia, 

Cranberry, 

Knowlton, 

New  Britain, 

Salem, 

Newtown, 

Dividing  Creek, 

New  Mills, 

Konoloway, 

Upper  Freehold, 

Mount  Bethel, 

Pittsgrove, 

Tuckahoe, 

Stamford, 

Amenia  Precinct, 

London  Tract, 

Cow  Marsh, 


MINISTERS. 


Samuel  Jones, 
Abel  Morgan, 
Robert  Kelsay,* 
Thomas  Jones, 
David  Smith, 
Oliver  Hart, 
Abel  Griffiths, 
David  Sutton, 
William  Vanhorn, 


Peter  Wilson, 


Joshua  Jones, 


Nicholas  Cox, 
Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
David  Loofborrow, 
Joseph  Powell,* 


Abner  Sutton, 
William  Worth, 


Elkana  Holmes, 
Thomas  Fleeson, 


-d 

rs  i; 

■3 

■3 

CIS 

2 

IS 

2 

O 

1 
s 

a 

g 

K 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

25 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

18 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

1 

0 

1 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

1 

7 

0 

0 

0 

0 

8 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

18 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

1 

0 

1 

37 

0 

1 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

34 

0 

0 

0 

0 

11 

0 

0 

0 

0 

16 

3 

0 

4 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

179 

8 

2 

13 

5 

58 
95 
81 
35 
58 
213 
19 
69 
56 
86 
37 
16 
30 
34 
68 
65 
56 
42 
66 
22 
70 
34 
39 
35 
28 
23 


Note. — The  ministers  whose  names  are  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  A 
dash denotes  churches  destitute  of  a  settled  minister. 

*^*  The  three  last  mentioned  churches  having  been  lately  constituted,  were, 
at  their  request,  received  into  fellowship. 

As  no  letters  came  to  hand  from  Piscataqua,  Welsh  Tract,  Montgomery, 
Scotch  Plains,  and  several  other  churches  belonging  to  this  Association,  we  are 
unable  to  give  any  just  account  of  their  present  number  of  members  ;  a  satis- 
faction we  hope  to  enjoy  another  season. 


MIXUTES 

OF  THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  22d  AND  23d, 

1782. 


Tuesday,  October  22, — i\.t  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  a  sermon  was 
preached,  from  Acts  xvi.  IT,  "  These  men  are  the  servants  of  the 
Most  High  God,  which  show  unto  us  the  way  of  salvation,"  by 
Brother  Nicholas  Cox. 

2.  After  sermon,  Brother  Oliver  Hart  was  chosen  moderator,  and 
Brother  William  Vanhorn,  clerk.  Letters  from  thirty  churches  were 
read. 

3.  A  letter  and  minutes  from  the  Warren  Association  were  read. 
Their  messengers,  Elders  James  Manning,  William  Rogers,  and 
William  Williams. 

4.  A  letter  from  the  Ketockton  Association  was  read. 

5.  A  late  branch  of  the  church  at  Montgomery  being  constituted 
a  church  at  Hill  Town,  were,  at  their  request,  received  into  this 
Association. 

6.  Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

7.  Wednesday,  October  23d. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
The  committee  appointed  last  year  to  examine  the  books  in  the 

hands  of  the  librarian,  report.  That  they  have  proceeded  in  that  busi- 
ness, and  conclude,  that  about  three  pounds  ten  shillings  would  repair 
them. 

Agreed  to  collect  the  above  sum  immediately;  which  was  done, 
and  put  into  the  hands  of  the  librarian. 

8.  This  Association  being  informed  of  some  difficulties  subsisting 
in  the  church  at  Goshen,  recommended  to  our  brethren,  SamuelJones, 
Nicholas  Cox,  and  William  Vanhorn  to  visit  them. 

9.  A  letter  from  Mr.  Aitkin,  printer  in  this  city,  was  read,  setting 
forth,  that  he  had,  with  great  pains  and  much  expense,  just  completed 
the  first  English  edition  of  the  Bible  in  America,  together  with 
Watt's  Psalms,  and  requesting  this  Association  to  make  the  under- 
taking as  universally  known  as  we  can. 

Voted,  That  this  Association,  on  the  recommendation  of  Congress 
of  said  impression,  present  their  thanks  to  Mr.  Aitkin,  for  his  faith- 
ful execution  of  this  laborious  and  important  undertaking,  and  most 

(180) 


MINUTES   OF    THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  181 

heartily  recommend  to  all  the  churches  with  which  we  are  connected, 
to  encourage  the  sale  thereof. 

Adjourned  to  half  after  two  o'clock,  P.  M. 

10.  Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Voted,  That  the  seventh  article  of  the  Warren  Association  minutes 
be  adopted  by  us,  which  is  as  follows :  "  The  Association,  from  a  re- 
presentation made  to  them  by  the  corporation  of  the  College  in 
Providence,  of  the  low  state  of  the  funds  of  said  College,  and  the 
urgent  necessity  of  increasing  them,  in  order  to  support  suitable 
instructors  therein,  and  from  an  idea  of  the  great  importance  of  good 
education,  have  taken  into  consideration,  as  the  most  probable  method 
to  accomplish  this  valuable  end,  the  recommendation  of  a  subscrip- 
tion throughout  all  the  Baptist  societies  on  this  continent,  as  well  as 
to  all  the  friends  of  literature  of  every  denomination,  on  the  follow- 
ing conditions: 

"  We  the  subscribers  promise  and  engage  to  pay  the  several  sums 

affixed  to  our  names,  to ,  to  be  by  him   paid  to   John 

Brown,  Esq.,  of  Providence,  treasurer  of  the  corporation,  or  his 
successor  in  said  office,  or  order;  to  be  placed  at  interest,  and  the 
interest  only  to  be  applied  for  the  above  purpose. 

"N.  B.  The  several  churches  are  desired  to  insert  in  the  above 
blank  the  name  of  the  most  suitable  person  in  the  society  for  this 
service." 

11.  Brother  Thomas  Ustick  was  appointed  to  write  a  letter  to  the 
Warren  Association,  and  Brother  Samuel  Jones  to  the  Ketockon,  in 
answer  to  their  request  on  the  subject  of  last  year's  letter.  Messen- 
gers to  the  former.  Brother  Nicholas  Cox,  and  to  the  latter,  William 
Worth,  Thomas  Fleeson,  and  Abner  Sutton. 

12.  As  we  have  received  information,  that  a  legacy  has  been  left 
to  this  Association,  in  the  last  will  and  testament  of  John  Honey- 
well, of  Knowlton,  in  Sussex  county.  New  Jersey,  deceased. 

Resolved,  That  our  treasurer.  Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  who  is  also  in 
said  will  constituted  a  trustee  of  the  same,  proceed  immediately  to 
make  use  of  all  due  and  necessary  measures  to  recover  said  legacy 
for  and  in  our  behalf,  and  at  our  expense. 

13.  Supplies  were  granted  to  the  following  destitute  churches: — 
Piscataqua  and  Knowlton. 

11.  Next  Association  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  to  begin  on  Tues- 
day after  the  third  Lord's  day  in  October,  at  three  o'clock,  P,  M. 
Sermon  by  Brother  Abel  Morgan ;  and,  in  case  of  failure,  by  Brother 
Oliver  Hart. 

CIRCULAR   LETTER. 

BY    REV.  OLIVER    HART. 

The  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  churches,  met 
in  Association,  at  Philadelphia,  October  22d,  1782. 

Send  Christian  salutation  to  the  churches  with  whom  we  are  in 
union. 

Well  beloved  in  om*  dear  Redeemer, — We  are  now,  in  coui'se,  to 


182  MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

address  you  on  the  subject  contained  in  the  ei<::,'hth  chapter  of  our 
Confession  of  faith,  which  treats  of  Christ  the  Mediator. 

A  mediator  is  concerned  with  parties  at  variance,  betwixt  whom  he 
stands  as  a  middle  person,  and  his  business  is  to  bring  them  together 
and  make  peace  between  them.  Christ  acts  in  the  capacity  of  a  Me- 
diator between  God  and  men,  1  Tim.  ii.  5.  "  There  is  one  God,  and 
one  Mediator  between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus."  For 
the  elucidation  of  this  point,  we  may, 

I.  Consider  what  a  Mediator  between  God  and  men  supposes* 

II.  Take  a  view  of  the  appointment  of  Christ  to  that  office. 

III.  Consider  his  ability,  suitableness,  and  qualifications  for  the 
great  work. 

IV.  How  he  hath  effected  it,  or  what  he  hath  done  for  that  purpose. 

V.  Point  out  some  of  the  blessed  effects  of  Christ's  mediatorship. 

I.  A  Mediator  between  God  and  men  supposes — 

First.  A  diflerence  subsisting  between  them.  This  commenced 
upon  Adam's  eating  the  forbidden  fruit ;  prior  to  which  the  most 
cordial  amity  and  friendship  subsisted  between  God  and  man.  But 
this  first  act  of  disobedience  broke  the  tender  ties  of  love  and  esteem. 
Adam  flew  from,  as  dreading  the  divine  presence ;  and  soon  contracted 
a  contrariety  of  soul  to  the  perfections  of  the  Deity,  and  a  horrid 
enmity  against  God.  Thus  the  staff  of  friendship  was  broken,  and 
the  quarrel  commenced,  entirely  on  the  part  of  man.  On  the  other 
hand,  God,  whose  law  had  been  violated,  and  whose  goodness  and 
friendship  had  been  abused,  appeared  in  the  disagreeable  light  of  an 
enemy  to  man;  and,  in  fact,  he  was  an  injured  sovereign,  insisting 
that  reparation  should  be  made  for  the  dishonor  done  him,  by  this 
violation  of  faith  and  breach  of  friendship. 

Second.  A  Mediator  between  God  and  men,  supposes  inability  on 
man's  part  to  repair  the  injuries  done  by  sin,  or  to  restore  himself 
to  the  divine  favor.  Could  he  have  done  this,  there  would  have  been 
no  need  of  the  interposition  of  a  Mediator;  but  the  divine  law  was 
to  be  punctually  observed,  and  satisfaction  was  to  be  made  for  the 
breach  of  it ;  which  were  impossible  terms  to  man  in  his  fiillen  state. 

Third.  A  Mediator  between  God  and  men  seems  to  suppose,  that 
God  could  not,  consistent  wdth  the  honor  due  to  his  law,  and  the 
glory  of  his  divine  perfections,  pardon  man  and  receive  him  into 
favor,  merely  as  a  simple  act  of  mercy.  Had  he  done  so,  his  justice 
must  have  bled,  his  holiness  would  have  been  tarnished,  his  truth 
shaken,  and  the  rights  of  his  throne  and  government  infringed.  Con- 
sequences, which  it  would  be  horrid  and  blasphemous  to  attribute  to 
any  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Almighty;  for  the  Judge  of  all  the 
earth  will  do  right.  Hence  appears  the  necessity  of  a  Mediator. 
And  this  leads  us, 

II.  To  take  a  view  of  the  designation  or  appointment  of  Christ  to 
that  office. 

In  order  to  which,  we  must  look  into  the  transactions  of  the  Deity 
from  eternity,  before  his  works  of  old,  Prov.  viii.  22 ;  for  thus  early 


MINUTES   OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA    ASSOCIATION.  183 

was  Christ  appointed  to  the  mediatorial  oflBce,  in  the  counsel,  decree, 
and  purpose  of  Jehovah.  The  Apostle  Peter  confirms  this  truth 
with  a  strong  note  of  asseveration,  1  Per.  i.  20,  where,  after  having 
spoke  of  redemption  by  the  precious  blood  of  Christ,  he  says,  "Who 
verily  was  foreordained  before  the  foundation  of  the  world."  And 
our  Lord  himself  fully  establishes  this  point,  Prov.  viii.  23,  "  I  was 
set  up  from  everlasting,  from  the  beginning,  or  ever  the  earth  was," 
— set  up,  constituted,  or  appointed  Mediator.  God,  from  eternity, 
foresaw  that  Adam  would  fall  from  his  allegiance,  integrity,  and 
fidelity ;  and  that  the  whole  human  race  would  be  involved  in  guilt, 
and  must  inevitably  perish,  unless  a  medium  were  provided  for  their 
recovery,  in  a  way  consistent  with  the  glory  of  the  divine  perfections. 
To  effect  which,  the  Three  Persons  in  the  Godhead,  the  Father,  the 
Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  formed  a  council,  and  entered  into  a  cove- 
nant of  grace,  in  order  to  lay  the  plan  on  which  the  salvation  and 
happiness  of  fallen  man  should  proceed ;  and  to  determine  which  of 
those  divine  persons  should  engage  in  the  arduous  work,  Jehovah, 
the  Father,  in  his  manifold  wisdom,  having  predestinated  a  select 
number  of  the  fallen  race  to  the  adoption  of  children,  by  Jesus 
Christ,  according  to  the  eternal  purpose  which  he  purposed  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord,  (Eph  i.  5;  iii.  10,  11,)  now  proposed  the  business, 
or  work  of  saving  the  elect,  to  Jehovah  the  Son;  as  well  knowing 
the  love  he  bare  to  them,  as  also  with  what  alacrity  he  would  comply 
with  his  will,  proposing  to  furnish  him  with  a  body,  and  every  way 
equip  him  for  the  discharge  of  his  trust.  The  Son,  whose  will  was 
the  same  with  that  of  the  Father,  readily  consented  to  engage  in  the 
work,  and  did  in  effect,  say,  "Father,  thy  will  is  that  rebellious  man 
should  obtain  favor,  the  means  therefore  of  his  restoration  shall  not 
be  wanting ;  here  am  I,  send  me  on  that  important  design.  Man 
shall  be  saved,  in  a  way  that  will  secure  the  honors  of  divine  govern- 
ment ;  and  by  means  through  which  the  glory  of  the  divine  perfec- 
tions will  shine  forth  with  the  brightest  effulgence."  The  cheerfulness 
with  which  Christ  then  complied  with  the  requisition  of  the  eternal 
Father,  is  pointed  out  by  the  Psalmist,  Psalm  xl.  7,  8,  "  Then  said 
I,  lo,  I  come ;  in  the  volume  of  the  book  it  is  written  of  me,  I  de- 
light to  do  thy  will,  0  my  God:  yea,  thy  law  is  within  my  heart." 
And  Christ  himself  is  represented  as  speaking  of  his  being  appointed 
to  the  mediatorial  office,  by  the  eternal  Father,  in  Psalm  Ixxxix.  19, 
20,  "  Then  thou  spakest  in  vision  to  the  holy  One,  and  saidst,  I  have 
laid  help  upon  One  that  is  mighty ;  I  have  exalted  One  chosen  out 
of  the  people  ;  I  have  found  David  my  servant,  with  my  holy  oil 
have  I  anointed  him."  Thus  it  appears  that  God  was  in  Christ,  even 
from  everlasting,  reconciling  the  elect  world  unto  himself,  not  im- 
puting their  trespasses  unto  them,  2  Cor.  v.  19 ;  and  that  Christ  was 
thus  early  chosen  and  appointed  to  the  mediatorial  office,  in  the  coun- 
sel of  peace,  which  was  between  them  both,  namely,  the  Father  and 
the  Son ;  and  in  the  covenant  of  grace,  of  which  Christ  is  the  Me- 
diator, Heb.  xii.  24. 


184  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

III.  "V\''e  pass  on  to  consider  the  ability,  suitableness,  and  qualifi- 
cations of  Christ  for  the  great  work. 

Had  not  Christ  been  able,  fit  and  every  way  qualified  for  the  dis- 
charge of  the  mediatorial  office,  the  work  might  have  been  marred  in 
his  hands ;  God  might  have  been  frustrated  in  his  designs  of  mercy 
to  his  creatures,  and  all  mankind  might  have  perished  in  their  sins. 
Events  which  cannot  be  admitted,  even  in  idea ;  for  God  laid  help  upon 
One  that  is  mighty,  and  exalted  One  chosen  out  of  the  people ;  every  way 
able  to  save,  even  to  the  uttermost,  Psalm  Ixxxix.  19 ;  Heb.  vii.  25. 

First.  The  ability  of  Christ  to  execute  the  office  of  a  Mediator 
will  appear,  when  we  consider  who  and  what  he  was.  He  was  no 
other  than  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  of  the  same  nature  and  essence 
with  Jehovah  the  Father ;  for  he  and  the  Father  were  one ;  of  one 
nature  or  essence,  equal  in  power  and  glory;  equally  possessed  of 
divine  attributes  and  godhead  characters,  and  alike  objects  of  divine 
worship  and  adoration.  He  was  the  brightness  of  his  Father's  glory, 
and  the  express  image  of  his  person ;  who  upheld  all  things  by  the 
word  of  his  power ;  superior  even  to  angels,  and  the  object  of  their 
religious  adoration  and  worship,  Heb.  i.  3,  6.  And  even  as  Media- 
tor, all  power  in  heaven  and  earth  was  given  unto  him.  Thus  power- 
ful, thus  able,  was  the  divine  person  chosen  and  appointed  to  the  office 
of  a  Mediator  between  God  and  men.    We  will  proceed. 

Second.  To  consider  his  suitableness  or  fitness  for  the  discharge 
of  that  office.  Power,  simply  considered,  did  not  render  him  eligible. 
No,  not  even  his  eternal  power  and  godhead.  But  what  principally 
fits  Christ  for  the  execution  of  his  mediatorial  office,  is  the  union  of 
the  divine  and  human  natures  in  his  one  person.  Hereby  he  is  Imma- 
nuel,  God  with  us ;  and  being  partaker  of  both  natures,  he  must 
have  an  interest  in,  and  a  concern  for  both ;  therefore,  while  he  me- 
diates for  man,  he  must  still  have  a  view  to  the  glory  of  God. 

Not  to  take  any  notice  of  his  suitableness  as  the  Son  of  God,  and 
middle  person  of  the  Trinity,  which  yet  seems  to  have  some  weight, 
it  was  necessary  that  the  Mediator  should  be  man,  possessed  of  a 
human  body  and  a  reasonable  soul,  and  so  in  all  points  be  made  like 
to  his  brethren,  in  whose  cause  he  engaged ;  that  he  might  appear  to 
be  their  brother  and  near  kinsman,  after  the  flesh;  which  must  affi9rd 
them  the  greatest  encouragement,  when  they  fly  for  refuge  to  lay 
hold  on  the  hope  set  before  them.  Nothing  could  affect — nothing 
could  encourage  the  distressed  sons  of  Jacob  more  than  those  tender 
— those  moving  words,  "I  am  Joseph,  your  brother."  And  nothing 
can  more  encourage  the  spiritual  Israel,  than  to  know  that  their  Me- 
diator and  days-man  is  their  brother,  kinsman,  and  friend.  Again, 
it  was  necessary  that  satisfaction  and  atonement  for  sin  should  be 
made  in  the  same  nature  that  had  sinned ;  therefore,  the  Mediator 
must  be  man.  The  apostle  confirms  this  observation  when  he  says, 
"  For  verily  he  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  angels,  but  he  took  on 
him  the  seed  of  Abraham,"  Heb.  ii.  16;  intimating  that  the  nature 
of  angels  would  not  have  been  eligible  to  have  made  conciliation  for 
the  sins  of  human  nature.     Moreover,  it  was  needful  that  the  Me- 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  185 

diator  should  be  man,  that  he  might  be  capable  of  obeying  the  law, 
given  to  man  and  broken  by  him.  Therefore,  "  he  was  made  of  a 
woman,  and  made  under  the  law,  that  he  might  redeem  them 
that  were  under  the  law,"  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  "For  as  by  one  man's 
disobedience  many  were  made  sinners,  so  by  the  obedience  of 
one  shall  many  be  made  righteous."  Further,  it  was  necessary  that 
the  Mediator  should  be  man,  that  he  might  be  capable  of  dying,  to 
make  an  atonement  for  the  sins  of  men.  As  God,  he  could  not  die. 
And  "  without  shedding  of  blood  there  could  be  no  remission."  There- 
fore, a  body  was  prepared  for  him,  that  he  might  die,  the  just  for  the 
unjust,  to  bring  us  unto  God,  1  Pet.  iii.  18.  In  fine,  it  was  needful 
the  Mediator  should  be  man,  "  that  he  might  be  a  merciful  and  faith- 
ful high  priest;"  have  a  fellow-feeling  with  his  people  under  their 
infirmities — sympathise  with  them  under  their  afilictions,  and  succor 
them  under  their  temptations,  Heb.  ii.  17  ;  iv.  15. 

But  then,  the  Mediator  must  not  only  be  man,  he  must  be  more 
than  man ;  he  must  be  a  divine  person ;  otherwise  he  would  not  be 
able  to  draw  nigh  unto  God,  and  treat  with  him  about  the  terms  on 
which  peace  was  to  be  restored  to  guilty  man ;  and  enter  into  a  cove- 
nant with  him  to  perform  those  conditions.  "  For,  who  is  this  that 
engaged  his  heart  to  approach  unto  me,  saith  the  Lord  ?"  Jer.  xxx. 
21.  Could  men  or  angels  have  done  this  ?  No.  None  but  Jehovah's 
fellow  was  equal  to  this  arduous  task.  Moreover,  had  the  Mediator 
been  only  man,  he  could  never  have  supported  under  the  amazing 
load  of  sufferings  he  had  to  endure ;  therefore,  he  must  be  God  as 
well  as  man.  All  the  sins  of  an  elect  world  were  imputed  to  him, 
and  all  the  ponderous  weight  of  divine  wrath,  demerited  by  those 
sins,  was  to  fall  on  his  devoted  head.  "  Surely,"  saith  the  prophet, 
"he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows,"  Isa.  liii.  1.  A 
load  which  would  not  only  have  borne  down  an  individual  of  the 
human  race,  but  even  crushed,  as  it  were,  to  atoms,  all  created  intel- 
ligences, angels  as  well  as  men.  None  could  have  sustained  the 
stroke  of  that  flaming  sword,  divine  justice,  but  that  wonderful  Man, 
even  the  God-Man,  who  was  Jehovah's  Fellow,  Zech.  xiii.  7.  In  fine, 
it  was  necessary  that  Christ  should  be  God,  to  raise  himself  from  the 
dead  ;  for  had  he  remained  in  the  grave,  we  must  have  perished  in 
our  sins,  1  Cor.  xv.  17,  18.  And  to  have  raised  himself,  had  he  been 
only  man,  he  could  not;  therefore,  he  must  be  God. 

Now  this  Mediator  was  not  only  God  and  man,  but  he  was  the 
God-man  ;  God  and  man  in  one  person.  The  human  nature  Avas 
taken  into  union  with,  and  subsisted  in  the  person  of  the  Son  of 
God.  And  this  pei'sonal  union  was  necessary  in  order  to  give  efii- 
cacy,  dignity,  and  merit  to  his  obedience  and  sufi'erings.  Had  he 
been  a  mere  man,  his  obedience  and  righteousness  could  have  been 
beneficial  only  to  himself;  nor  could  his  sufferings  and  death  have 
atoned  for  the  sins  of  others  ;  but  being  God  and  man,  in  one  person, 
his  mediatorial  righteousness  is  the  righteousness  of  God,  and  there- 
fore all-sufficient  to  justify  men  ;  and  his  blood  is  the  blood  of  the  Son 
of  God,  and  so  cleanses  from  all  sin,  and  is  a  proper  atonement  for  it. 

24 


186  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELrniA   ASSOCIATION. 

And  in  this  view,  God  is  said  to  have  purchased  the  chnrch  "with 
his  own  blood,"  Acts  xx.  28.  Thus  having  taken  a  view  of  the 
abiHty  and  suitableness  of  Christ  for  the  office  of  Mediator,  we  shall, 
Third.  Consider  his  qualification  for  the  great  work.  Although 
the  ability  and  suitableness  of  Christ,  involve  the  idea  of  qualifica- 
tions for  the  execution  of  his  mediatorial  office,  yet  those  spoken  of 
are  purely  personal,  or  such  as  relate  to  his  person  as  the  God-man ; 
besides  which,  he  sustains  various  relative  characters  and  offices,  which 
qualify  him  for  his  work,  as, 

1.  That  of  a  covenant  head  to  the  elect.  As  such,  God  chose 
him  from  all  eternity,  and  chose  all  his  people  in  him,  as  members 
of  his  mystical  body,  Isa.  xlii.  1 ;  Eph.  i.  4.  As  such,  God  made  a 
covenant  with  him  of  life  and  peace,  respecting  the  salvation  and 
happiness  of  his  people.  This  covenant  was  confirmed  of  God,  in 
Christ,  i.  e.,  made  sure  with  his  covenant-people,  in  Christ,  their  head 
and  representative.  All  the  promises  and  blessings  of  the  covenant 
are  secured  to  the  elect  in  Christ,  their  federal  head.  All  that  Christ 
did  and  sufi"ered,  was  in  their  room  and  stead.  They  were  crucified 
with  Christ,  arose  from  the  dead,  ascended  up  into  heaven,  and  sat 
down  at  the  right  hand  of  God  with  him ;  or  in  him  representatively, 
as  their  covenant  head,  Gal.  ii.  20 ;  Col.  iii.  1 ;  Eph.  ii.  6. 

2.  Christ  is  the  surety  of  his  people.  As  such,  he  drew  nigh  to 
God,  in  covenant,  and  engaged  to  do  and  sufier  all  that  the  law  and 
justice  of  God  required,  to  make  satisfaction  for  their  sins.  He  put 
himself  in  their  law  place,  took  the  whole  debt  of  his  people  upon 
himself,  and  became  reponsible  for  it.  They  owed  a  debt  of  obe- 
dience to  the  law,  and  a  debt  of  punishment  for  the  violation  of  it ; 
this  double  debt  he  assumed  payment  of,  and  did  pay :  in  conse- 
quence of  which,  the  elect,  who  were  the  principal  debtors,  were  set 
free;  and  Jehovah,  the  Father,  said,  "Deliver  them  from  going  down 
to  the  pit;  I  have  found  a  ransom,"  Job  xxxiii.  24.  Although  the 
ransom  price  was  not  actually  paid  until  the  death  of  the  surety ;  yet 
he  being  the  Lamb  slain  from  the  foundation  of  the  world,  in  the 
decrees  and  purposes  of  God,  who  had  accepted  of  his  suretyship- 
engagements,  the  virtue  and  efficacy  of  his  obedience,  sufferings  and 
death  was  applied  to  all  the  Old  Testament  saints ;  and  they  were 
justified,  pardoned,  and  saved  thereby,  as  fully  and  amply  as  those 
under  the  New,  2  Cor.  v.  19 ;  Acts  xv.  11 ;  Heb.  xi.  13. 

3.  The  Mediator  is  an  advocate  for  all  the  chosen  people  of  God, 
1  John  ii.  1.  In  his  character  he  drew  nigh  unto  God,  in  the  eternal 
council  and  covenant  of  grace,  "  and  made  intercession  for  the  trans- 
gressors," Isa.  liii.  12.  This  he  did,  not  by  laboring  to  extenuate 
their  crimes,  but  by  offering  himself  as  their  sponsor,  to  stand  in 
their  room  and  stead ;  bear  their  sins ;  make  an  atonement  for  their 
guilt ;  restore  to  the  law  its  honors,  and'  answer  all  the  demands  of 
justice,  Isa.  liii.  4-G  ;  Rom.  v.  11 ;  Isa.  xHi.  1.  And  the  advocacy 
of  the  Meditator  proved  efficacious  to  the  pardoning,  justifying,  and 
glorifying  an  elect  world,    Rom.  viii.  33,  34. 

4.  Another  office  which  Christ  sustains,  is  that  of  a  prophet, 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  187 

Acts  iii.  22.  Under  this  character  he  was  expected  by  the  Jews, 
John  vi.  14,  and  in  this  capacity  he  acted  as  Mediator.  As  a  pro- 
phet, he  not  only  foretold  future  events,  as  the  destruction  of  Jeru- 
salem, the  calamities  that  should  befall  the  Jews,  the  end  of  the 
world,  &c. ;  but  he  taught,  and  does  teach  his  people,  so  as  never 
man  taught.  He  teaches  the  knowledge  of  God,  even  the  saving 
knowledge  of  the  Most  Higii,  as  a  God  of  grace  and  mercy,  as  a  God  in 
covenant,  pacified  towards  poor  sinners,  notwithstanding  all  that  they 
have  done,  John  xvii.  3 ;  Ezek.  xvi.  63.  He  teaches  the  knowledge 
of  himself,  as  the  only  and  alone  Mediator,  the  Redeemer  and  Saviour 
of  lost  sinners,  Matt.  xi.  28.  He  teaches  man  to  know  himself,  that 
he  is  a  sinner,  lost  and  undone,  without  power  to  help  or  deliver  him- 
self, and  the  necessity  of  a  better  righteousness  than  that  of  his  own, 
Phil.  iii.  8,  9.  He  teaches  the  necessity  of  holiness  in  order  to  hap- 
piness, Heb.  xii.  14.  All  which,  this  great  Prophet  teaches  power- 
fully and  efficaciously,  by  his  word  and  Spirit. 

6.  Again,  the  Mediator  is  a  priest.  Psalm  ex.  4.  He  is  "  an  High 
Priest  over  the  house  of  God,"  Heb.  x.  21.  The  business  of  a  priest 
was  to  minister  at  the  sanctuary,  and  offer  up  gifts  and  sacrifices 
for  the  sins  of  the  people,  Heb.  viii.  3.  "  For  every  high  priest  is 
ordained  to  offer  gifts  and  sacrifices :  wherefore  it  is  necessary  that 
this  man  should  have  somewhat  also  to  offer;"  and  for  this  purpose  a 
body  was  prepared  him  :  a  true  body  and  a  reasonable  soul,  even  the 
"whole  of  human  nature  ;  which  being  united  to  the  person  of  the  Son 
of  God,  was  offered  up  a  sacrifice,  to  satisfy  divine  justice  for  the 
sins  of  an  elect  world.  And  by  this  oblation  a  true  and  proper 
atonement  was  made  for  sin,  satisfaction  to  divine  justice  was  given, 
the  wrath  of  an  offended  Deity  was  appeased,  and  sinners  have  free 
access  unto  God,  as  a  God  in  covenant,  a  Father  and  Friend.  Amaz- 
ing scheme  of  salvation  !  Astonishing  to  men  and  angels  !  1  Pet.  x. 
12.  Intercession  was  another  branch  of  the  priestly  office.  Christ 
ever  lives  to  make  intercession  for  his  people,  Heb.  vii.  25.  He 
prays  for  them  that  they  may  be  pardoned,  justified,  sanctified,  and 
saved ;  yea,  he  prays  that  where  he  is,  there  they  may  be  also,  that 
they  may  behold  his  glory,  John  xvii.  24.     But, 

6.  The  Mediator  is  also  a  king.  Psalm  ii.  6.  Saints  are  the  sub- 
jects of  his  mediatorial  kingdom ;  whom  he  rules  by  the  most  whole- 
some laws;  and  unto  whom  he  hath  given  a  most  glorious  charter  of 
privileges,  contained  in  the  covenant  of  grace ;  which  is  ordered  in 
all  things  and  sure,  2  Sam.  xxiii.  5.  He  rules  in  his  people  by  the 
power  of  divine  grace,  and  he  rules  for  them,  conquering  and  sub- 
duing all  his  and  their  enemies  ;  and  "he  must  reign  till  he  has  put 
all  enemies  under  his  feet,"  1  Cor.  xv.  25.  These  are  some  of  Christ's 
qualifications  for  his  work  as  Mediator. 

IV.  "We  are  now  to  consider  how  he  hath  effected  it,  or  what  he 
hath  done  for  that  purpose. 

Besides  those  eternal  transactions  and  covenant  engagements, 
already  taken  notice  of,  and  in  consequence  thereof,  the  eternal  Son 
of  God  did,  in  time,  take  upon  him  human  nature,  with  all  its  sinless 


188  MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

infirmities.  According  to  ancient  predictions  lie  "was  to  be  made  of 
the  woman's  seed,  and  born  of  a  virgin ;  therefore  he  was  conceived  by 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  in  the  womb  of  the  virgin  Mary  ;  of  whom 
he  was  born,  free  from  sin.  Thus  "the  "Word  was  made  flesh,"  and 
dwelt  with  men  on  earth ;  some  of  w^hom  "  beheld  his  glory,  the 
glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth," 
John  i.  14.  The  grand  design  of  his  incarnation  was  to  save  an  elect 
■world :  in  order  to  which,  as  he  was  made  of  a  woman,  so  he  was 
made  under  the  law.  He  was  born  under  obligations  to  keep  the 
law,  as  the  surety  of  his  people.  The  law  must  be  kept,  or  man 
could  not  be  saved.  It  is  holy,  just,  and  good,  righteous  in  all  its  de- 
mands. Perfect  obedience  it  positively  requires;  a  single  deviation 
therefrom  exposes  to  the  curse.  Gal.  iii.  10.  Had  Christ  failed  only 
in  one  point,  his  mediation  would  have  been  of  no  avail.  But  his 
obedience  was  complete.  Divine  justice  could  not  charge  it  with  the 
least  flaw.  "  Such  an  High  Priest  became  us,  who  is  holy,  hanrl^ss, 
undefiled,  and  separate  from  sinners,"  Heb.  vii.  26.  And  sucii  an 
one  was  Jesus  Christ :  "  who  did  no  sin,  neither  was  guile  found  in  his 
mouth,"  1  Pet.  ii.  22. 

Again,  Christ,  as  Mediator,  not  only  kept  the  law  inviolable,  but 
he  died  the  cursed  death  of  the  cross,  to  atone  for  the  sins  of  his 
people.  Without  shedding  of  blood  there  could  be  no  remission. 
And  as  the  blood  of  slain  beasts  was  insufiicent  to  cleanse  from  sin, 
Christ  offered  his  own,  Heb.  ix.  19.  "Neither  by  the  blood  of  goats 
and  calves,  but  by  his  own  blood,  he  entered  once  into  the  holy  place : 
having  obtained  eternal  redemption  for  us."  "The  blood  of  Jesus 
Christ,"  being  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God,  hath  a  divine  efiicacy, 
and  "cleanseth  from  all  sin,"  1  John  i.  7.  But,  not  only  did  Jesus 
suffer  in  his  body,  he  endured  infinitely  greater  torture  in  his  soul. 
His  bodily  sufferings  w^ere  indeed  great,  beyond  compare.  In  this 
view,  he  was  emphatically  "  a  man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with 
grief,"  Isa.  liii.  3.  His  wounded,  mangled,  bruised  body,  was  so 
changed  from  what  it  had  been,  as  to  excite  astonishment  in  the  be- 
holders. "As  many  were  astonished  at  thee.  His  visage  was  so 
marred  more  than  any  man,  and  his  form  more  than  the  sons  men," 
Isa.  Hi.  14.  So  distorted  were  his  limbs,  as  to  extract  from  him  this 
grievous  complaint;  "  My  bones  are  all  out  of  joint.  I  may  tell  all 
my  bones,  they  look  and  stare  upon  me,"  Psalm  xxii.  14-17.  Let  ima- 
gination paint  to  faith's  view  the  innocent  Jesus,  clothed  in  a  robe 
of  mock  majesty,  enveloped  round  with  invidious  foes  taunting  and 
jeering  at  him,  spitting  on  his  face,  smiting  it  with  their  hands, 
piercing  his  head  with  a  crown  of  thorns,  plowing  furrows,  long  and 
deep,  on  his  back,  with  a  whip  of  wires ;  driving  iron  spikes  through 
his  hands  and  feet,  nailing  them  to  the  cross,  and  thus  suspending 
him  between  heaven  and  earth,  exposed  naked  to  the  inclement  rays 
of  a  burning  sun,  a  spectacle  to  men  and  angels.  Thus  behold  the 
agonizing  Jesus,  and  judge  whether  there  were  ever  any  sorrows 
like  unto  his  sorrows,  or  pains  comparable  to  those  he  endured.  But, 
after  all,  the  sufferings  of  his  soul  were  infinitely  superior  to  these. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  189 

These  he  bore — those  he  deprecated.  Apprehensions  of  the  divine 
wrath,  which  was  to  fall  on  his  soul,  caused  his  human  nature  to 
shrink,  and  drew  from  him  these  mournful  accents,  "  Now  is  my  soul 
troubled,  and  what  shall  I  say  ?  Father  save  me  from  this  hour," 
John  xii.  27.  And  when  the  vials  of  wrath  began  to  be  poured  out 
upon  him,  he  was  in  an  agony — sweat  great  drops  of  blood,  and  said, 
"  My  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful,  even  unto  death."  "  0  my  Father, 
if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me ;  nevertheless  not  as  I 
will,  but  as  thou  wilt,"  Luke  xxii.  44;  Matt,  xxvi.  38,  39.  And  when 
his  soul  was  made  an  offering  for  sin,  and  divine  wrath  was  poured 
out  upon  him  to  the  uttermost,  he  cried  out,  "My  God  !  my  God! 
why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  V  Matt,  xxvii.  46.  Thus  Jesus,  the  Medi- 
ator, suffered  for  us  men,  and  for  our  salvation.  Thus  he  died,  com- 
mending his  spirit  into  the  hands  of  his  heavenly  Father,  Heb.  ii. 
10.  And  that  his  humiliation  might  be  reduced  to  the  lowest  degree, 
he  was  laid  in  the  grave,  where  he  continued  three  days  and  three 
nights,  but  his  body  "  saw  no  corruption."  On  the  third  day  he  arose 
from  the  dead ;  for  it  was  not  in  the  power  of  the  grave  to  hold  him. 
Though  he  had  been  put  to  death  in  the  flesh,  he  was  quickened  by 
the  Spirit,  Heb.  iii.  18.  The  resurrection  of  Christ  from  the  dead 
is  an  essential  part  of  his  mediatorial  work ;  for  had  he  not  been 
raised  out  of  the  grave,  all  that  he  had  done  would  have  been 
ineffectual  to  the  salvation  of  sinners.  Hence  saith  the  apostle, 
"  If  Christ  be  not  raised,  your  faith  is  vain,  you  are  yet  in  your  sins," 
1  Cor.  XV.  17.  If  the  Head  had  continued  under  the  power  of  death, 
the  members  must  have  remained  there  also.  "  But  now  is  Christ 
risen  from  the  dead,  and  become  the  first  fruits  of  them  that  slept," 
1  Cor.  XV.  20.  After  his  resurrection  he  continued  many  days  on 
earth,  showing  himself  to  his  disciples;  comforting,  encouraging, 
and  confirming  them ;  and  then  "  ascended  up  on  high,  leading  cap- 
tivity captive;"  when  the  everlasting  doors  were  opened  to  receive 
the  King  of  glory ;  and  the  heavenly  arches  rang  with  joyful  accla- 
mations ;  shouting.  The  Redeemer !  God  the  Father  manifested  his 
approbation  of  all  that  he  had  done,  and  the  high  esteem  he  had  for 
him  as  Mediator,  by  placing  him  at  his  right  hand,  "  Far  above  all 
principality,  and  power,  and  might,  and  dominion,  and  every  name 
that  is  named,"  Eph.  ii.  21.  There  the  Mediator  now  sits,  pleading 
the  value  of  his  merits  on  behalf  of  his  chosen  people ;  and  we  may 
be  sure  that  "he  is  able  to  save  them  to  the  uttermost,  that  come 
unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them," 
Heb.  vii.  25. 

V.  We  proceed  to  point  out  some  of  the  effects  of  his  mediatorship. 

First.  With  regard  to  God.  Hereby  God  is  glorified,  more  than  he 
would  have  been  if  Adam  had  never  fallen,  or  if  all  mankind  had 
perished  under  the  ruins  of  sin,  John  xvii.  4.  All  the  moral  perfec- 
tions of  the  Deity  are  illustriously  displayed  and  glorified  in  the  sal- 
vation of  sinners,  through  Jesus  Christ.  His  wisdom  appears  conspi- 
cuous in  contriving  the  plan ;  his  power,  in  effecting  it ;  his  love,  in 
giving  his  own  Son;  his  justice,  in  punishing  him;  his  mercy,  in  par- 


190  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

cloning  sinners ;  and  his  holiness  in  cleansing  them  from  sin  in  his 
Son's  blood.  The  angels,  at  the  Redeemer's  birth,  sang,  "  Glory  to 
God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  towards  men."  And 
all  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  will  praise  God  for  this  wonderful  scheme 
of  salvation,  to  all  eternity. 

Second.  With  regard  to  the  law  of  God.  The  mediatorship  of  Christ 
hath  restored  to  the  law  all  its  rights  and  honors ;  for  he  hath  mag- 
nified the  law  and  made  it  honorable,  by  yielding  a  perfect  obedience 
to  it,  and  dying  to  make  satisfaction  for  the  breach  of  it. 

Third.  With  regard  to  man,  the  blessed  effects  of  Christ's  mediator- 
ship  are  scarce  to  be  enumerated. 

1.  Hereby  that  desirable  blessing  peace,  lost  by  sin,  is  restoi'ed  to 
all  the  people  of  God.  Christ  is  "the  Prince  of  peace,"  Isa.  ix.  6. 
His  covenant  is  a  covenant  of  peace,  Isa.  liv.  10.  His  gospel  is  the 
gospel  of  peace,  Rom.  x.  15.  And  this  blessing  he  bequeathed  to 
his  people  as  a  legacy,  John  xiv.  27.  1.  Through  him  they  have 
peace  with  God,  Rom.  v.  1.  Of  him  it  is  said,  "  This  man  shall 
be  the  peace,"  i.  e.  the  peace-maker,  Micha.  v.  5;  and  "he  hath 
made  peace  by  the  blood  of  his  cross,"  Col.  i.  20.  2.  They  have 
peace  of  conscience,  "joy  and  peace  in  believing,"  Rom.  xv.  13. 
Their  hearts  being  sprinkled  from  an  evil  or  guilty  conscience,  thr/ 
enjoy  great  peace  within.  3.  They  have  peace  one  with  another, 
Mark  ix.  50.  Being  all  one  in  Christ,  their  hearts  are  knit  together 
in  love,  Gal.  iii.  28 ;  Col.  ii.  2.  The  enmity  betwixt  Jews  and  Gen- 
tiles is  removed,  and  they  are  united  together  in  one  body ;  "  For 
he  is  our  peace,  who  hath  made  both  one,  and  hath  broken  down  the 
middle  wall  of  partition  between  us,"  Eph.  ii.  13. 

2.  Pardon  of  sin  is  another  effect  of  Christ's  mediatorship.  God, 
for  Christ's  sake,  forgives  his  people,  Eph.  iv.  32.  The  blood  of 
Christ  was  shed  to  make  an  atonement  for,  and  obtain  the  rem.ission 
of  our  sins ;  and  God  "  is  faithful  and  just  to  forgiving  us  our  sins, 
and  cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness,"  1  John  i.  9. 

3.  Justification  is  also  through  the  mediatorship  of  Christ,  "In 
the  Lord  shall  all  the  seed  of  Israel  be  justified,  and  shall  glory." 
Isa.  xlv.  35.  The  righteousness  of  Christ,  as  mediator,  is  the  sole 
matter  and  cause  of  a  sinner's  justification  before  God,  Rom.  v.  17, 
18.  This  righteousness  Christ  wrought  out  by  his  active  and  passive 
obedience  to  the  law  ;  and  by  it,  "  all  that  believe  are  justified  from 
all  things,  from  which  they  could  not  be  justified  by  the  law  of  Moses," 
Acts  xiii.  39. 

4.  Adoption  is  likewise  through  the  mediation  of  Christ,  and  on 
account  of  what  he  hath  done  and  suffered  for  us.  He  was  "  made 
of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law,  to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the 
law ;  that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  of  sons,"  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  By 
this  act  of  divine  grace,  we  are  received  into  the  family  of  God,  as 
his  dear  children ;  and  are  favored  with  the  grace  and  "  spirit  of 
adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abba,  Father;"  being  "heirs  of  God  and 
joint  heirs  with  Christ,"  and  so  entitled  to  all  the  blessings  and  pri- 
vileges of  the  sons  of  God,  Rom.  viii.  15-17. 


MINUTES   OP   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  191 

5.  Through  the  mediation  of  Christ  we  enjoy  the  renewing,  com 
forting,  and  sanctifying  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  He  was  a 
party  concerned  in  the  covenant  of  grace,  of  which  Christ  is  the  Me- 
diator :  and  he  is  sent  by  Christ  to  convince  the  world  of  sin,  renew 
the  soul,  comfort  the  people  of  God,  sanctify  and  make  them  meet 
for  heaven,  John  xvi.  8 ;  Tit.  iii.  5 ;  Heb.  xii.  14. 

6.  All  the  blessings  and  privileges  of  the  gospel  come  flowing  to  us 
through  the  mediation  of  Christ.  The  gospel  itself  is  his  gospel, 
Rom.  XV.  20.  The  doctrines  of  it  are  his  doctrines;  they  treat  of 
his  person,  ofiices,  grace,  blood,  and  righteousness.  The  promises, 
which  are  exceeding  great  and  precious,  "  are  all  yea  and  amen,  in 
Christ,"  2  Pet.  i.  4 ;  2  Cor.  i.  20.  Gospel  ordinances  were  instituted 
by  Christ,  and  represent,  the  one,  his  death,  burial,  and  resurrection  ; 
the  other,  his  body  broken,  and  blood  shed,  for  our  salvation,  Rom. 
vi.  3,  4 ;  1  Cor.  xxiv.  25.  In  a  word,  the  laws,  rules,  and  discipline 
of  his  house,  are  all  good  and  wholesome,  having  a  tendency  to  assi- 
milate us  to  Christ  and  prepare  us  for  glory. 

7.  Once  more :  through  the  mediation  of  Christ,  we  have  liberty 
of  access  unto  God,  and  are  invited  to  "  come  boldly  to  the  throne 
of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  us  in 
time  of  need,"  Heb.  iv.  16. 

8.  In  fine,  eternal  life  is  enjoyed  through  the  mediation  of  Christ; 
for,  although  heaven  is  no  where  said  to  be  purchased  by  Christ,  yet 
sinners  are  redeemed  in  order  that  they  may  enjoy  it.  They  are 
"vessels  of  mercy  prepared  unto  glory,"  Rom.  ix.  23.  And  it  is 
the  will  of  Christ,  that  all  those  whom  the  Father  hath  given  unto 
him,  should  be  with  him,  where  he  is,  that  they  may  behold  his  glory, 
John  xvii.  27. 

Thus,  dear  brethren,  have  we  endeavored  to  treat  of  Christ  the 
Mediator,  and  we  trust  that  his  fulness  and  suitableness  have,  in 
some  measure,  been  made  to  appear.  That  you  may  live  to,  for,  and 
upon  him,  and  at  last  live  and  reign  with  him,  is  the  prayer  of  yours 
iu  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the  gospel. 
Signed  by  order  of  the  Association, 

Oliver  Hart,  Moderator. 
Wm.  Vanhorn,  Clerk. 


192 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATIOX. 


THE   MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 


MIXISTERS  AND  MESSEXGERS. 


Pennepek, 

Middletown, 

Piscataqua, 

Cohansie, 

Great  Valley, 

Cape  May, 

Hopewell, 

Brandyvrine, 

Montgomery, 

Kingwood, 

Southampton, 

Philadelphia, 

Cranberry, 

Scotch  Plains, 

Harford,    Maryland, 
New  Britain, 
Salem, 
Newtown, 

Bateman's  Precincts, 
Dividing  Creek, 
New  Mills, 
Upper  Freehold, 
Mount  Bethel, 
Pittsgrove, 
Vincent, 
Stamford, 
Amenia  Precincts, 
London  Tract, 
Cow  Marsh, 
Hilltown, 


Samuel  Joxes, 
Abel  Morgax,* 


Robert  Kelsat,* 
Thomas  Joxes, 
David  Smith,^ 
Oliver  Hart, 
Abel  Griffith, 
David  Loofboughrow, 
David  Suttox"^, 
William  Vax^horn, 
Thomas  Ustick, 
Peter  "Wilsox", 
Bexjamix  Cole, 
JoHX"  Davis,* 
Joshua  Joxes, 


Nicholas  Cox. 
Samuel  Waldo,* 
Peter  P.  Vaxhorx, 


Johx"  Blackwell, 
Abxer  Suttox, 
William  Worth, 


Elkaxa  Holmes, 
Thomas  Fleeson, 


Johx  Thomas, 


p   i«^ 


3 
0 
0 
43 
0 
9 
2 

0 
0 
0 
0 
3 
3 
2 

10 
3 
8 
3 
1 
2 
2 
4 
1 

20 
0 
4 
3 
1 


13  i     0 

01     0 


59 

95 

0 

120 

35 

67 

205 

19 

2 

70 

55 

87 

39 

101 

0 

32 

39 

70 

0 

61 

57 

70 

23 

89 

35 

42 

38 

28 

35 

61 


^1-10      7  G5  48!31  16591 


Note. — Ministers  marked  thus  *  were  absent, 
destitute  of  a  settled  minister. 


A  dash 


denotes  churches 


MINUTES 

OF   THE 

PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  21  ST,  22d,  AND   23d, 

1783. 


Tuesday,  October  21st. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Rev.  Oliver 
Hart  delivered  a  very  suitable  discourse,  according  to  appointment, 
from  Haggai  ii.  4 ;  "  Yet  now  be  strong,  0  Zerubbabel,  saith  the 
Lord,  and  be  strong,  0  Joshua,  son  of  Josedech,  the  high  priest,  and 
be  strong  all  ye  people  of  the  land,  saith  the  Lord,  and  work ;  for  I 
am  with  you,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts." 

2.  After  sermon,  Brother  John  Gano,  being  first  received  as  a 
member,  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother  Thomas  Ustick,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  twenty-seven  churches  were  read. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

4.  Wednesday,  October  22d. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  As 
several  letters  from  our  churches  take  notice  of  the  happy  event  of 
the  present  peace,  so  far  as  it  has  been  efiected  ;  and  intimate  the 
propriety  of  acknowledging  the  same  by  a  day  of  public  thanks- 
giving. 

Resolved,  That  although  the  event  be  glorious,  and  the  prospect 
promising,  calling  for  our  humble  and  sincere  acknowledgments,  yet 
we  think  it  most  expedient  to  defer  the  observation  of  a  day  on  the 
occasion,  that,  after  recommendation  of  Congress,  we  may  unite  with 
the  continent  in  so  desirable  a  work. 

5.  The  subject  of  the  introductory  sermon  being  very  important,  and 
treated  much  to  our  satisfaction.  Brother  Hart  is  requested  to  pre- 
pare the  same  for  immediate  publication;  and  the  churches  are  re- 
quested to  forward  their  subscriptions  to  Brother  Ustick  without 
delay. 

6.  The  church  at  Welsh  Tract  having  requested  that  we  would 
consider  the  expediency  of  reprinting  a  pamphlet,  entitled  "  A  Scrip- 
ture Manual,"  by  T.  Craner;  Resolved,  As  we  have  agreed  to 
publish  the  introductory  sermon  on  the  same  subject,  and  our  ports 
are  now  open,  the  churches  disposed  may  furnish  themselves  from 
abroad ;  but  should  it  appear  that  they  are  out  of  print,  our  breth- 
ren, Samuel  Jones,  William  Vanhorn,  and  Thomas   Ustick,  are  re- 

25  (193) 


194  MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

quested  to  examine  said  piece,  and  consider  the  propriety  of  its  re- 
publication. 

7.  In  answer  to  the  query  from  Newtown  church :  Whether  laying 
on  of  hands  be  an  ordinance  of  the  gospel  to  be  administered  to  all 
baptized  persons,  or  only  in  particular  cases  ?  we  observe,  that  im- 
position of  hands  on  baptized  persons  has  been  the  general  practice 
of  the  churches  in  union  with  this  Association,  and  is  still  used  by 
most  of  them  ;  but  it  was  never  considered  by  the  Association  as  a 
bar  of  communion.  Resolv^ed,  That  any  pei'^on  scrupling  to  submit 
thereto,  may  be  admitted  to  the  fellowship  of  the  chui'ch  without  it. 

Brother  Gano  is  requested  to  preach  this  evening. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

8.  Thursday,  October  23d. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  By 
request.  Rev.  Jacob  Hutton,  from  Broughton,  in  England,  presented 
his  letter  of  recommendation,  which  being  satisfactory,  the  members 
of  the  Association  thereupon  gave  him  a  cordial  reception. 

9.  Brother  William  Vanhorn  was  appointed  to  write  to  the  War- 
ren, Brother  Oliver  Hart  to  Charleston,  and  Brother  John  Pitman 
to  the  Ketockton  Association.  Our  messengers  to  the  first.  Rev. 
John  Gano,  Burgess  Allison,  and  William  Yanhorn ;  to  the  last,  Rev. 
William  Worth  and  Thomas  Fleeson. 

10.  Supplies  were  granted  to  the  following  destitute  churches : — 
Lyon's  Farms,  Morristown,  and  Kingwood. 

11.  The  circular  letter  for  the  present  year  was  prepared  by 
Brother  Samuel  Jones ;  appointed  Brother  Abel  Morgan  and  John 
Gano  to  write  for  next  year. 

12.  Resolved,  That  our  next  Association  be  at  New  York,  on  the 
first  Tuesday  in  October,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  The  introductory 
sermon  by  Brother  Abel  Morgan ;  and,  in  case  of  failure,  by  Brother 
Thomas  Ustick. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  REV.  SAMUEL  JONES,  A.  M. 

The  elders  and  brethren  of  the  several  churches,  met  in  Associa- 
tion at  Philadelphia,  October  21st,  1783. 

To  the  several  churches  to  which  we  relate,  send  greeting. 

Dearly  beloved,— Through  the  kind  indulgence  of  a  gracious  God, 
we  met  according  to  appointment.  We  have  been  favored,  as  usual, 
with  peace  and  harmony,  during  the  whole  of  our  consultations,  for 
which  we  call  on  you  to  join  us  in  giving  glory  to  the  Head  of  ths 
church. 

For  the  result  of  our  deliberations,  together  with  the  good  tidings 
we  received  from  different  parts,  we  refer  you  to  the  minutes  of  our 
proceedings,  which  we  herewith  send  you. 

The  point  of  doctrine,  which,  according  to  our  order,  comes  next 
under  consideration,  is,  the  freedom  of  man's  will.  Confession  of 
faith,  Chap.  IX. 

The  inquiry  concerning  the  liberty  of  the  will  is,  whether  man,  as 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  195 

a  moral  agent,  acts  freely,  without  any  restraint  or  constraint.  That 
he  should  act  thus  freely,  without  any  coercive  force  on  the  will,  is 
necessary,  in  order  to  his  being  a  free  agent,  or  the  subject  of  moral 
government.  For  if  he  acted  under  constraint,  as  his  actions  would 
not  be  free,  they  could  not  be  charged  to  him,  as  virtuous  or  vicious, 
but  must  be  placed  to  the  account  of  that  being,  under  whose  influ- 
ence he  acted.  So  essential  is  it  to  the  cause  of  morality  to  support 
the  liberty  of  the  will. 

How  it  can  be  that  the  decrees  of  God,  and  the  superintendence 
of  Providence,  do  not  interfere  with  this  freedom  and  liberty  of  the 
will,  is  what  renders  the  subject  difficult ;  and  it  will,  perhaps,  re- 
main in  some  measure  inexplicable,  until  we  arrive  to  a  state  of  a 
more  free  and  clear  exercise  of  our  mental  powers,  and  a  greater 
perfection  in  knowledge. 

That  there  is  a  Divine  Providence  is  as  certain  and  necessary,  as 
that  there  is  a  God  :  and  that  the  Divine  Being  governs  and  sustains 
the  universe,  as  that  he  made  it. 

Nor  is  there  much  difficulty  in  admitting  and  conceiving  this  pre- 
cedence of  the  Deity  among  the  orders  of  inanimate  nature  ;  nor  yet 
with  regard  to  moral  agents,  so  far  as  respects  good  actions ;  but 
how  far  the  divine  agency  is  versant  about  evil  actions,  is  one  of  the 
most  perplexing  inquiries  in  the  whole  compass  of  theology. 

Nevertheless,  that  the  providence  of  God  has  a  concern  in  evil 
actions  is  clear,  not  only  from  what  we  have  suggested  above,  but 
also  from  those  Scriptures  following,  on  which  no  consistent  mean- 
ing can  be  put,  without  admitting  that  superintendence  of  the  divine 
Being,  of  which  we  are  speaking. 

Joseph,  addressing  his  brethren  concerning  their  selling  him  into 
Egypt,  tells  them,  that  it  was  not  they  that  sent  him  thither,  but 
God.  Gen.  xiv.  8.  And  God  is  said  to  harden  Pharaoh's  heart. 
Exod.  iv.  21.  The  same  is  also  said  of  Sihon,  king  of  Hesbon. 
Deut.  ii.  30.  And  David,  speaking  of  Shimei's  cursing  him,  says, 
that  God  had  bid  him.  2  Sam.  xvi.  10. 

By  these,  and  such  like  passages,  it  is  clear  that  the  providence  of 
God  is  some  how  conversant  even  about  evil  actions ;  but  we  know  it 
must  be  in  such  a  way  as  that  he  is  neither  the  author  nor  approver 
of  sin  ;  and  it  may  be  in  these  ways  following : 

1.  By  causing  the  object  to  be  presented,  which,  through  the  cor- 
ruptions of  our  nature,  may  be  the  occasion  of  sin ;  as  in  the  case 
of  Joseph  and  his  brethren,  David  and  Shimei.  Now  all  this  may 
bo,  and  yet  the  Supreme  Disposer  of  all  things  perfectly  clear ;  for 
the  presentation  of  the  object  does  not  lay  a  necessity  of  sinning,  nor 
is  the  object  presented  with  a  view  to  occasion  the  sin.  Thus  our 
blessed  Lord,  a  little  before  his  crucifixion,  knew  that  his  going  to 
Jerusalem  at  that  time  would  prove  the  occasion,  by  presenting  the 
object,  of  his  being  apprehended  and  crucified.  But  he  did  not  go 
thither  with  that  view;  nor  did  his  going,  or  his  knowing  what  they 
would  do,  lay  them  under  a  necessity  of  doing  it. 

2.  It  may  be  in  suffering  and  permitting  sin,  not  in  suggesting  it, 


196  MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

or  influencing  to  it,  as  the  Apostle  James,  speaks  :  "Let  nomansaj, 
when  he  is  tempted,  that  he  is  tempted  of  God ;  for  God  cannot  be 
tempted  with  evil,  neither  tenipteth  he  any  man.  But  every  man 
is  tempted  Avhen  he  is  drawn  away  of  his  own  lusts  and  enticed." 
Jam.  i.  13,  14, 

3.  The  providence  of  God  is  conversant  about  evil  actions,  in  over- 
ruling them  to  his  own  glory,  as  in  the  case  of  Joseph,  just  now 
mentioned  ;  but  especially  the  fall  of  man,  and  the  sufl'eriugs  of  our 
Redeemer. 

It  may  further  be  of  use,  in  considering  this  subject,  to  distinguish 
between  what  is  natural  and  what  is  sinful  in  an  action;  the  former 
being  from  God,  but  the  latter  from  ourselves.  Thus  the  power  of 
speech,  and  the  faculties  of  the  mind  are  from  God,  but  the  misuse 
and  abuse  of  those  powers  and  faculties  to  the  purposes  of  blasphemy, 
and  the  like,  must  be  from  the  corruptions  of  our  own  hearts.  This 
is  illustrated  by  an  apt  similitude,  taken  from  the  sun's  drawing  forth 
vapors  from  the  earth,  by  that  heat,  which  has  a  tendency  to  exhale 
them ;  but  the  stench  that  attends  what  is  exhaled  from  a  dunghill, 
or  any  putrid  substance,  is  not  owing  to  the  sun,  but  the  nature  of 
the  substance  from  whence  it  is  drawn. 

In  the  chapter  referred  to  above,  the  free  agency  of  man  is  ap- 
plied to  his  fourfold  state. 

1.  The  state  of  innocence ;  concerning  which  there  is  no  difliculty 
except  the  decree,  which  affects  all  states  and  actions  alike. 

2.  His  fallen  state ;  wherein  man  is  naturally  inclined  and  prone 
to  that  which  is  evil,  but  averse  to  that  which  is  good.  Now,  in  con- 
version, the  operations  of  grace  do  not  offer  violence  to  the  will ;  but 
the  understanding  is  enlightened,  and  a  discovery  is  made  to  the 
creature  of  his  awful  situation  in  a  state  of  sin  and  guilt,  in  conse- 
qucRce  of  which,  sin  is  embittered,  the  attention  is  turned  to  the 
spiritual  concern  of  the  soul,  the  desire  is  excited  after  pardon,  and 
thus  is  wrought  in  him  to  will  and  to  do,  and  he  is  made  willing  in 
the  day  of  God's  power. 

3.  The  state  of  man  after  conversion,  wherein  he  is  actuated  by 
a  two-fold  principle  ;  the  remains  of  nature,  and  the  principle  of 
grace :  as  the  apostle  speaks,  Rom.  vii.  15,  24.  Concerning  the  first 
there  is  no  difficulty,  and  the  other  operates  much  after  the  same 
manner  as  in  conversion,  explained  above. 

4.  And  lastly,  the  state  of  glory,  wherein  the  inclination  will 
only  be  to  that  which  is  good,  which,  however,  is  not  inconsistent  with 
freedom,  but  is  the  perfection  of  it,  as  in  the  Divine  Being  himself, 
since  liberty  consists  in  freedom  to  follow  the  desire,  while  it  is  con- 
fined Avithin  the  limits  of  the  agent's  power. 

As  for  the  inference  of  the  decree  with  the  liberty  of  which  we 
are  speaking,  if  it  be  hard  to  conceive  how  it  should  not,  so,  let  it  be 
remembered,  it  is  as  hard  to  conceive  how  it  should.  The  blessed 
Jesus,  for  instance,  is  said  to  be  delivered  by  the  determinate  coun- 
sel and  fore-knowledge  of  God,  Acts  ii.  23.  But  what  influence 
could  this  fore- knowledge  have  on  the  Jews,  who  were  not  conscious 


MINUTES   OP   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


197 


of  it,  and  never  adverted  to  it  in  all  their  proceedings,  but  acted 
freely,  according  to  the  natural  course  of  their  wicked  inclinations, 
even  those  vile  affections  of  malice,  hatred,  selfishness,  envy,  and  the 
like,  they  were  actuated  by. 

Thus,  dear  brethren,  we  have  brought  to  your  view,  and  briefly  ex- 
plained this  abstruse  subject,  so  far  as  the  nature  of  it,  and  the  nar- 
rowness of  our  limits  would  admit.  You  see  three  things  are  certain : 
1st,  The  decrees  and  providence  of  God :  2dly,  That  he  is  neither 
the  author  nor  approver  of  sin  :  yet,  3dly,  That  man  is  a  free  agent. 
And  if  there  be  any  difficulty  in  perceiving  the  agreement  between 
the  first  and  the  last,  yet  not  near  so  great  as  to  reject  all  three,  or 
either  of  them.  It  is  not  necessary  we  should  know  every  thing. 
There  are  mysteries  in  nature  as  well  as  in  providence  and  grace. 
We  should  beware  of  picking  the  lock,  as  one  expresses  it,  of  which 
the  key  is  not  in  our  keeping.  It  becomes  us  rather  humbly  to  adore 
that  God,  who  does  all  things  well,  Mark  vii.  37  ;  but  gives  account 
of  his  matters  to  none.  Job  xxxiii.  13  ;  and  be  thankful  for  that 
wonderful  and  all-sufficient  discovery  of  divine  truth,  that  has  been 
made.  Let  us  use  diligence  in  improving  those  discoveries  to  the 
glory  of  God,  and  our  own  advancement  in  grace,  that  we  may  be 
built  up  in  faith  and  holiness.  Now  unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal, 
invisible,  the  only  wise  God,  be  honor  and  glory,  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

John  Gang,  Moderator. 
Thomas  Ustick,  Clerk. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND   MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,   AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES, 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 

1 
5 

1 
ft 

a 

8 

1 
1 

'  Samuel  Jones,  A.  M., 

Pennepek, 

•John  Pitman, 
1  John  Stancliff, 
(^  Jesse  Dungan, 

5 

1 

0 

1 

0 

64 

Middletown, 

r  Abel  Morgan,  A.  M., 
-;  Samuel  Morgan, 
(John  Cook, 

2 

1 

0 

0 

0 

98 

Piscataqua,t 

Cohansie, 

(  Robert  Kelsay,* 
■I  Philip  Shepherd, 
[David  Ehvell, 

C 

6 

0 

0 

129 

Great  "Valley, 

Nicholas  Cox, 
Thomas  -Jones, 

0 

2 

0 

1 

0 

38 

Cape  May, 

f  David  Smith,* 
1  Thomas  Yates, 

8 

0 

0 

5 

0 

70 

Hopewell, 

f  Oliver  Hart, 
\  Nathaniel  Stout, 

4 

1 

2 

1 

3 

204 

Brandywine.t 

(  Abel  Griffith, 
1  John  Garrett, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

18 

198 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 

II 
IS 

1 
0 

1 

s 

0 
6 

i 

i 

1 

Montgomery, 
Kingwood, 

David  Loughborough, 

r 

9 
11 

0 

1 

3 

0 

34 
75 

Andrew  Bray, 

Southampton, 

Wm.  Vanhorn,  a.  M., 
Isaac  Hough, 

2 

0 

0 

2 

0 

55 

Philadelphia, 

■  Thomas  Ustick,  A.  M., 
Benjamin  Thaw, 
George  Ingols, 
David  Bowen, 
Thomas  Shields, 
John  M'Kim, 

6 

1 

0 

1 

10 

99 

Cranberry,t 

Peter  Wilson, 

5 

0 

0 

1 

0 

43 

Scotch  Plains, 

Benjamin  Cole,* 

3 

0 

0 

1 

0 

103 

Hartford,  Maryland, 

John  Davis,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 
Benjamin  Matthew, 

5 

0 

0 

1 

0 

36 

Salem, 

— — 
Thomas  Sayer, 

8 

0 

0 

1 

0 

46 

Newtown, 

James  Finn, 

1 

4 

0 

0 

75 

Bateman's  Precincts,! 

Samuel  Waldo,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Dividing  Creek, 

New  Mills,                       ! 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 

4 
12 

0 
0 

6 
0 

1 
1 

1 

0 

57 
68 

Samuel  Gaskill, 

Upper  Freehold, 

John  Blackwell, 
Samuel  Cox, 
Samuel  Sexton, 

12 

1 

0 

2 

0 

81 

Mount  Bethel,! 

Abner  Sutton,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

23 

Pittsgrove, 

William  Worth, 
Artist  Seagraves, 
Cornelius  Austin, 

5 

0 

1 

2 

0 

91 

Vincent,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

35 

Stamford, 

Elkanah  Holmes,* 

17 

2 

0 

2 

0 

60 

Ameuia  Precincts,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

38 

London  Tract, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 
John  Evans, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

27 

0 

35 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

2 

0 

35 

94 

Hilltown,                         -« 

John  Thomas, 
Nathan  Evans, 
Elijah  Davis, 

0 

Welsh  Tract,                   |  John  Boggs,* 
(  Isaiah  Lewis, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

52 

Tuckahoe, 
Lyon's  Farms, 

William  Lock,* 

r 

22 
0 

1 

0 

1 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

56 
10 

Jacob  Hutton, 

Morristown, 

6 
194 

0 

18 

0 
21 

0 

0 

50 

34 

14 

1964 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  The 
churches  marked  thus  f  sent  neither  letters  nor  messengers,  and  their  numbers  remain  as  last  year. 
A  dash  denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES 

OF   THE 

PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  NEW  YORK,  OCTOBER  5tH;  6tH,  AND  7tH, 

1784. 


Tuesday,  October  5th. — At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  Brother  Thomas 
Ustick  delivered  a  suitable  discourse,  from  1  Phil.  i.  27,  "  That  ye 
stand  fast  in  one  Spirit,  with  one  mind,  striving  together  for  the 
faith  of  the  Gospel." 

2.  Brother  Samuel  Waldo  was  chosen  moderator,  and  .  Brother 
William  Vanhorn,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  the  churches  were  read. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

4.  October  6th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  A  letter  and 
minutes  from  the  Warren  Association  were  read  ;  whereby  it  appears 
that  they  are,  in  general,  at  peace  amongst  themselves.  The  addi- 
tions to  their  churches  this  year  are  fifty-eight ;  their  whole  number 
three  thousand  five  hundred  and  sixty-one.  That,  besides  this  Asso- 
ciation, they  correspond  with  four  others  in  New  England,  viz.,  one 
in  Vermont,  one  in  New  Hampshire  Grants,  one  in  Stonington,  in 
Connecticut,  and  another  in  the  State  of  New  Hampshire,  consisting 
of  six  churches  and  four  hundred  members,  which  opened  a  commu- 
nication with  them  this  present  year. 

5.  A  letter  from  the  Ketockton  Association  was  read,  informing  us 
that  they  enjoy  peace  among  themselves  ;  that  the  additions  to  their 
churches  this  year  were  thirty-four ;  and  that  two  churches  joined 
them  at  their  last  meeting. 

6.  Our  ministering  brethren,  William  Rogers,  Burgess  Allison, 
Ebenezer  Ward,  and  Nicholas  Cox,  being  present,  their  company  and 
assistance  were  desired. 

7.  A  letter  from  a  church  constituted  the  last  year  in  Lower  Smith- 
field,  Northampton  county,  State  of  Pennsylvania,  under  the  care  of 
Elder  David  Jane,  was  read,  requesting  admission  to  the  Association. 
Upon  a  particular  and  satisfactory  relation  of  their  faith  and  prac- 
tice, by  Brother  Cox,  who  assisted  at  their  constitution,  we  are  free 
to  receive  them  into  union  with  us,  when  they  shall  appear  by  their 
messengers. 

(199) 


200  MINUTES   OP   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

8.  Brother  William  Rogers  was  requested  to  prepare  a  letter  to 
the  Warren  Association ;  Brother  Nicholas  Cox,  one  to  that  of  Ke- 
tockton,  in  Virginia ;  and  Brother  Ezekiel  Robins,  one  to  that  in 
South  Carolina. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  p.  M. 

9.  Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. — To  a  query:  Whether  Jesus 
Christ  was  an  object  of  prayer  ?  we  answer  :  We  are  surprised  that 
one  of  our  sister  churches,  or  any  of  the  members  thereof,  should 
be  in  doubt  of  an  article  of  faith  so  plainly  revealed  in  the  word  of 
God.  The  instance  of  the  penitent  thief  on  the  cross ;  of  Stephen 
when  stoned,  praying  to  the  Lord  Jesus ;  and  the  injunction  to 
honor  the  Son  as  we  honor  the  Father,  are  sufficiently  plain  on  this 
point. 

Upon  inquiry  of  the  messenger  from  the  church  who  sent  the 
query,  and  by  information  of  others  present,  we  found  that  something 
had  been  delivered  amongst  them,  and  elsewhere,  by  one  in  the 
ministry ;  which,  in  our  opinion,  favors  of  that  deistical  error  that 
we  discard  and  abhor  as  heresy.  We  therefore  seriously  recommend 
it  to  all  our  churches,  and  those  who  compose  them,  to  try  the  spirits, 
whether  they  be  of  God,  and  if  they  do  not  maintain  the  divinity  of 
Jesus  Christ,  neither  to  receive  them  into  their  houses,  nor  to  bid 
them  God  speed. 

10.  In  answer  to  a  query  from  one  of  our  churches:  What  mea- 
sures ought  to  be  taken  with  a  sister  church  who  holds  and  actually 
admits  unbaptized  persons  to  the  Lord's  supper  ?  we  observe,  That 
such  a  church  may  and  ought,  in  the  first  instance,  to  be  written  to 
by  a  sister  church,  exhorting  them  to  desist  from  such  a  practice, 
and  to  keep  the  ordinances  as  they  were  delivered  to  them  in  the 
word  of  God. 

11.  The  letters  prepared  for  the  different  Associations  being  pre- 
sented and  read,  Avere  approved. 

12.  The  circular  letter,  written  by  Brother  John  Gano,  was  pre- 
sented and  read. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

13.  October  7th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  With  respect 
to  the  request  from  the  church  at  Kingwood  for  supplies,  we  answer, 
That  from  the  representation  made  to  us,  we  are  in  hope  transient 
visits  will  not  be  wanted,  as,  in  our  opinion.  Providence  points  out 
clearly  the  propriety  of  Brother  Cox's  settlement  with  them. 

14.  From  a  statement  of  the  circumstances  of  a  bequest  of  Mr. 
Honeywell  to  this  Association,  which  was  laid  before  us  by  Brother 
Elkana  Holmes,  we  are  induced  to  appoint  our  brethren,  Elkana 
Holmes,  Dr.  John  Dodge,  Ebenezer  Ferris,  together  with  Brother 
Samuel  Jones,  or  any  two  of  them,  a  committee  to  treat  with  any 
person  or  persons  concerning  the  same. 

15.  Brother  Vanhorn  reported  that  he  got  the  binding  of  the  books 
of  the  Association  library  repaired;  and  from  the  vouchers  he  pro- 
duced, it  appears  there  was  a  balance  of  cash  in  his  hands  of  I63. 
6d. ;  4s.  of  which  he  is  ordered  to  pay  for  the  postage  on  the  Ke- 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  201 

tockton  Association  letter,  the  residue  is  granted  to  liim  for  his  super- 
intendence of  said  business. 

16.  Whereas,  there  has  been  much  inattention  in  some  of  our 
churches  to  a  communication  with  this  Association  bj  letters  and 
messengers ;  and  the  same  being  in  our  opinion  of  importance  to  the 
interest  of  the  churches,  we  recommend  to  our  Brethren  John  Gano 
and  Samuel  Jones,  the  former  to  write  to  those  in  the  eastern  parts, 
and  the  latter  to  those  in  the  western  parts  of  this  Association,  and 
press  them  to  a  due  regard  to  that  connection  and  correspondence  of 
the  churches,  which  experience  has  proved  to  be  both  comfortable  and 
in  many  instances  advantageous. 

17.  Met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  The 
circular  letter  being  again  read  and  considered,  was  approved. 

18.  Our  Brethren  John  Gano  and  William  Rogers,  are  appointed 
messengers  to  the  Warren  Association ;  Brother  Thomas  Fleeson 
and  Brother  Elkana  Holmes,  to  that  of  Virginia.  Our  Brethren 
Gano,  Rogers,  and  Vanhorn,  jun.,  or  either  of  them,  to  that  of 
Charleston,  South  Carolina. 

19.  Brother  William  Rogers  is  appointed  to  write  the  circular 
letter  for  the  next  year. 

20.  Supplies  granted  to  the  following  destitute  churches: — Scotch 
Plains,  Morristown,  Lyon's  Farms,  and  Dividing  Creek. 

21.  Brother  William  Rogers  is  appointed  to  superintend  the  print- 
ing of  the  minutes  of  this  Association. 

22.  Resolved,  That  our  next  Association  be  held  at  Philadelphia, 
the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  at  three  o'clock,  p.  M.  Brother  John 
Dodge  is  appointed  to  preach  the  introductory  sermon  ;  or,  in  case  of 
failure,  Brother  Elkana  Holmes. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  RET.  JOHN  GANO. 

The  elders  and  brethren  of  the  several  churches,  met  in  Asso- 
ciation at  New  York,  October  5th,  6th,  and  7th,  1784. 

To  the  churches  with  whom  we  are  connected,  send  greeting : 

Dearly  beloved — The  preceding  minutes  will  give  you  every  neces- 
Bary  information  relative  to  our  meeting,  the  state  of  our  churches, 
and  our  endeavors  for  their  prosperity.  We  trust,  you  will  unite 
your  efi"orts  with  ours,  to  the  same  good  purpose  ;  and  that  our  thanks- 
givings for  the  present  peace,  harmony,  and  increase  of  our  churches, 
our  prayers  for  their  further  growth,  with  a  more  powerful  effusion  of 
the  Divine  Spirit  and  grace  upon  them,  will  be  mutually  offered  up. 
May  the  consideration  of  our  effectual  calling  prove  an  incentive 
thereunto !  Which  is  the  subject  now  to  be  considered,  as  in  the 
tenth  chapter  of  our  Confession  of  faith. 

That  we  may  investigate  this  subject  as  fully  as  the  limits  of  a 
letter  will  allow,  we  will  consider,  first,  the  call ;  secondly,  the  Author 
of  the  call ;  thirdly,  the  called ;  and  fourthly,  its  efiicacy. 

I.  The  call.  This  is  an  act  of  sovereign  grace,  which  flows  from 
the  everlasting  love  of  God,  and  is  such  an  irresistible  impression 

26 


202  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPniA  ASSOCIATION. 

made  by  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  the  human  soul,  as  to  effect  a  "blessed 
change.  This  impression  or  call  is  sometimes  immediate,  as  in  the 
instance  of  Paul  and  others ;  though  more  ordinarily  through  the 
instrumentality  of  the  word  and  providence  of  God.  Though  in  both 
the  impression  or  power  upon  the  soul  or  rational  principle  of  ope- 
ration must  be  the  same.  This  may  be  considered  as  one  power 
capable  of  exerting  itself  in  various  modes ;  as  in  perceiving,  choos- 
ing, refusing,  loving,  hating,  &c.  Likewise  the  impression  before 
mentioned  may  be  viewed  as  one  spiritual  principle  of  operation  in 
the  soul,  exerting  itself  in  divers  ways,  rather  than  as  different  prin- 
ciples of  grace. 

II.  We  are  to  consider  the  Author  of  the  call.  The  Author  is 
God,  the  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit.  As  in  1  Thess.  ii.  12,  "  That 
ye  walk  worthy  of  God,  who  hath  called  you  unto  his  kingdom  and 
glory."  Also,  in  2  Tim.  i.  9,  "Who  hath  saved  us,  and  called  us 
with  an  holy  calling,  not  according  to  our  works,  but  according  to 
his  own  purpose  and  grace,"  &c.  In  others  it  more  directly  applies 
to  the  Father,  who  is  said  to  call  them  unto  the  fellowship  of  his 
Son.  Sometimes  it  is  ascribed  to  the  Son,  as  in  Proverbs  i.  20,  viii., 
where  saints  are  said  to  be  called  of  Jesus  Christ.  Lastly,  it  is  as- 
cribed to  the  Holy  Ghost,  as  in  Phil.  i.  6 ;  "  Being  confident  of  this 
very  thing,  that  he  who  hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you  will  perform 
it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ."  Upon  the  whole  this  call  is  heard 
as  it  is  in  deed  and  in  truth,  the  call  of  God,  and  not  the  voice  of  man. 

III.  We  are  to  consider  who  are  the  called.  They  are  such 
as  God  hath  chosen  and  predestinated  both  to  grace  and  glory, 
elected  and  set  apart  in  Christ,  as  redeemed  by  his  blood,  al- 
though by  nature  children  of  wrath  even  as  others  ;  not  of  the  Jews 
only,  but  also  of  the  Gentiles.  This  is  an  holy,  heavenly,  and,  con- 
sequently, an  high  calling. 

IV.  Its  efficacy.  It  is  effectual  to  bring  the  subjects  of  it  to 
a  piercing  sense  of  their  guilt  and  impurity.  The  mind  is  deeply 
convicted,  that  the  fountain  is  in  his  very  heart  or  nature,  from 
which  all  its  criminal  actions  have  sprung ;  and  that  the  lust  within 
disposes  us  to  violate  the  laws  of  God  in  as  great  a  variety  of  ways 
as  nature  is  capable  of  exerting  itself,  agreeable  to  Paul's  expression, 
*'  Sin  revived  and  I  died."  The  soul  is  affected  with  a  view  of  its 
sinfulness  and  the  malignity  of  sin  in  its  nature,  as  entirely  opposed  to 
the  holy  law  of  God ;  hence  arises  an  abhorrence  of  sin,  as  vile  and 
odious,  and  a  sense  of  its  demerit  as  deserving  eternal  death.  This 
call  produces  a  consciousness  of  the  absolute  impossibility  of  our  con- 
tributing in  the  least  degree  towards  a  recovery  from  this  wretched 
condition,  and  destroys  all  confidence  of  help  in  the  flesh.  It  is  a 
call  to  Christ,  and  gives  a  view  of  him  in  his  suitableness  and  ability 
as  a  Saviour ;  the  merit  of  his  o.bedience  and  sacrifice,  and  the  trea- 
sures of  his  grace  are  all  brought  into  view,  which  creates  desires  of 
an  interest  in  him,  and  resolutions  of  looking  unto  and  relying  wholly 
upon  him  for  salvation  ;  at  the  same  time  cordially  acknowledging 
desert  of  rejection  from  him,  and  yet  strengthened  to  rely  entirely 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


203 


upon  and  surrender  all  unto  tlie  disposal  of  Christ ;  setting  to  our 
seals  that  God  is  true ;  believing  the  record  he  has  given  of  his  Son, 
which  is  eternal  life,  and  that  this  life  is  in  his  Son.  The  changes 
produced  are  from  darkness  to  light,  from  bondage  to  liberty,  from 
alienation  and  estrangedness  to  Christ  to  a  state  of  nearness  and  fel- 
lowship with  him  and  his  saints.  This  call  administers  peace  of  con- 
science towards  God,  and  disposes  its  subjects  to  peace  with  mankind, 
so  far  as  is  consistent  with  righteousness. 

This  is  an  holy  calling,  and  is  effectual  to  produce  the  exercise  of 
holiness  in  the  heart,  even  as  the  saints  are  created  in  Christ  Jesus 
unto  good  works.  God  having  called  us,  not  to  uncleanness,  but  to 
holiness,  yea,  even  to  glory  and  virtue,  and  "  to  live  holily,  righte- 
ously, and  godly  in  this  present  evil  world ;"  and  to  conform  us,  both 
as  men  and  as  Christians,  to  the  pure  dictates  of  nature  and  the 
authority  of  revelation,  in  all  virtuous  actions.  To  believe  what  is 
divinely  revealed,  and  to  obey  what  is  divinely  enjoined ;  in  which 
the  saints  are  required  to  persevere  unto  "an  inheritance  incorrup- 
tible and  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away,  which  is  reserved  in 
heaven  for  them,"  and  unto  which  this  effectual  vocation  ultimately 
tends.  From  all  which  considerations,  we  learn  what  it  is  to  be  both 
good  and  great,  and  that  the  way  to  advance  in  durable  riches  and 
righteousness ;  to  live  on  high ;  live  above  the  vanities  and  pomp  of  this 
trifling  world,  and  to  shame  those  who  walk  unworthily,  is  to  retain 
a  sense  of  our  heavenly  vocation.  Thus  will  the  hearts  and  hands  of 
all  God's  people,  and  especially  his  ministers,  be  supported  and 
strengthened  ;  thus  will  the  religion  of  our  adorable  Redeemer  be 
honored  in  the  world  ;  thus  shall  we  glorify  God  in  life  and  enjoy  his 
peace  in  death,  and  leave  behind  a  finished  testimony  that  our  call- 
ing was  effectual  and  our  profession  sincere. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  Association, 

Samuel  Waldo,  Moderator. 
William  Yanhorn,  Clerk. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS  AT   THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHCRCnES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

■3 
f 

^  . 

IS 
2 

1 

Q 

2 

i 

0 

1 
1 

a 

1 

67 

Pennepek, 

Samuel  Jones,* 

4 

f  Abel  Morgan,* 

Middletown, 

<  Richard  Crawford, 

["William  Bown, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

1 

95 

Piscataqua, 

f  Reune  Runt  an, 
1  John  Runyau, 

[  Robert  Kelsat,* 

2 

0 

0 

0 

2 

40 

Cohansie, 

<  David  Elwell, 

1 

[  Nathan  Shepherd, 

1 

3 

1 

2 

8 

121 

Welsh  Tract,! 

John  Boggs,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

52 

Great  Valle}-,! 



0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

38 

204 


MINUTES    OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


CHURCHES. 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


Cape  May,f 
Hopewell, 

Brandywine, 

Montgomery, 

Kingwood, 

Southampton, 

Philadelphia, 

Cranberry, 

Scotch  Plains, 

Morristown, 

New  Britain,! 
Salem, 
Newtown, 

Pawling's  Precincts, 
Dividing  Creek, 

New  York, 

New  Mills, 

Upper  Freehold, 

Mount  Bethel, 

Lyon's  Farms, 

Pittsgrove,t 
Tuckahoe,t 

Stamford, 

King  Street, 

Cow  Marsh, 
London  Tract, 

Hilltown, 


'  Oliter  Hart,* 
Nathaniel  Stout, 
Stephen  Barton, 

Abel  Griffiths,* 

David  Loofborrow, 


I  Thomas  Runyan, 

William  Vanhorn, 

J  Thomas  Ustick, 
I  Thomas  White, 

f  Peter  Wilson, 
t  William  Tindel, 


David  Moi-ris, 


Ezekiel  Gobel, 
Joshua  Joxes,* 
Peter  P.  Vanhorn,* 
James  Finn,* 
Samuel  Waldo, 


(John  Gano, 
Samuel  Dodge, 
Ezekiel  Bobbins, 
Zebulon  Barton, 


(  John  Blackwell,* 
I  James  Cox, 

Abner  Sutton,* 


I  Ichabod  Grummon, 
William  Worth,* 
William  Lock,* 

(Elkana  Holmes, 
Sylvenus  Reynolds, 
Elijah  Hunt, 

J  John  Dodge, 

I  William  Brundage, 


Thomas  Fleeson, 

John  Thomas, 
Moses  Aaron, 


0    0 


0    0 


166    23  21    9 1 33  2077 


Note. — The  ministprs'  names  are  in  smail  capitals.    Those  marked  thus  *  not  present.    The  churches 
maxked  thus  f  sent  neither  letters  nor  messengers.    A  clash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES 


OF   THE 


PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  4tH,  5tH,  AND  6tH, 

1785. 


Tuesday,  P.  M.,  October  4tli. — The  Association  was  opened  witli 
a  suitable  discourse  from  John  xvi.  8,  by  Brother  Samuel  Jones. 

2.  Brother  Oliver  Hart  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother  Wil- 
liam Rogers,  clerk.     Letters  from  thirty  churches  were  read. 

3.  Brother  James  Manning,  president  of  Rhode  Island  College, 
being  present,  his  company  and  assistance  were  desired. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  half  past  eight  o'clock. 
Wednesday,  October  5. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

1.  The  minutes  of  our  last  year's  Association  were  read. 

2.  A  letter  and  minutes  from  Charleston  Association,  held  at  the 
High  Hills  of  Santee,  October  27th,  1783,  were  received  from  their 
annual  committee  and  read. 

3.  A  letter  from  the  Warren  Association,  held  at  Wrentham,  State 
of  Massachusetts,  September  14th,  1785,  was  delivered  by  their 
messenger.  Brother  Hezekiah  Smith,  and  read,  whereby  it  appears 
that  in  the  neighborhood  of  Boston,  several  persons  of  unblemished 
reputation  were  imprisoned  the  winter  past,  by  reason  of  their  re- 
fusing to  support  a  way  of  worship  repugnant  to  the  dictates  of  their 
own  minds.  Though  the  constitution  under  which  they  live,  equally 
secures  their  privileges  with  those  who,  repugnant  to  all  sound  policy, 
continue  to  persecute  them. 

4.  A  letter  from  Ketockton  Association,  Virginia,  held  August 
19th,  1785,  was  read.  Their  messenger.  Brother  Elijah  Craig,  took 
his  seat  among  us. 

5.  Brother  Peter  P.  Vanhorn  was  requested  to  prepare  a  letter  for 
Charleston  Association ;  Brother  Thomas  Ustick,  for  the  Warren,  and 
Brother  Thomas  Fleeson,  for  Ketockton.  Messengers  to  Charleston 
Association,  Brother  John  Gano ;  to  the  Warren,  Brother  William 
Rogers ;  to  that  of  Ketockton,  Brother  Eliphaz  Dazey. 

6.  The  church  of  Philadelphia,  having  represented  that  a  number 
of  books  lately  taken  from  the  city  and  committed  to  the  care  of 
the  Association  librarian,  belonged  to  said  church. 

Agreed,  That  in  order  to  bring  the  matter  to  an  issue,  our  breth- 

(2053 


206  MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

ren,  S.  Jones,  W.  Vanhorn,  and  Joshua  Jones,  be  a  committee  on 
behalf  of  the  Association,  to  meet  a  committee  of  Philadelphia  church, 
that  the  right  of  said  property  may  be  adjusted. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  p.  m. 

1.  Met  pursuant  to  adjommment. — Our  brethren,  Samuel  Jones 
and  Hezekiah  Smith,  having  in  the  morning  been  appointed  to  con- 
sider upon  that  part  of  the  letter  from  Great  Valley  church,  which 
requests  information  relative  to  a  minute  of  last  year,  concerning 
"Jesus  Christ  as  an  object  of  prayer,"  reported,  "that  the  person, 
of  whom  the  churches  were  then  cautioned  to  beware,  and  the  cause 
whereon  their  procedure  was  founded,  be  all  referred  for  further 
investigation  and  settlement  to  the  church  at  Upper  Freehold,  whereof 
he  is  a  member,  though  not  their  present  minister."  Agreed,  that  said 
report  be  adopted.  . 

2.  The  query  from  PhiladeliDhia  church,  relative  to  the  "  adminis- 
tration of  the  Lord's  supper,  among  any  of  our  brethren  and  sisters, 
however  numerous  they  may  be  in  any  one  place,  during  the  pei'iod 
of  their  remaining  unorganized,  or  unconstituted  as  a  distinct,  regu- 
lar church  by  themselves,"  requiring  mature  deliberation,  it  is 
thought  best  to  postpone  our  final  conclusion  thereon  until  next 
Association. 

3.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  is  appointed  to  copy  into  the  Association 
book,  all  such  minutes,  as  by  him  may  be  judged  of  real  utility  and 
future  advantage. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  half  past  eight  o'clock. 
Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Brother  Smith,  from  1  John  v.  3. 
Thursday,  October  6. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

1.  The  circular  letter  composed,  according  to  appointment,  by 
Brother  William  Rogers,  having  been  the  day  past  presented  and 
read,  was  again  taken  under  consideration  and  approved.  Brother 
Thomas  Ustick  is  appointed  to  write  one  for  the  ensuing  year. 

2.  The  letters  to  the  different  Associations,  corresponding  with  this, 
were  brought  in,  read  and  adopted. 

3.  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Association  be  given  to 
Brother  Isaac  Backus,  of  Middleborough,  Massachusetts,  for  his  un- 
wearied pains  and  great  labor,  in  collecting  and  compiling  the  history 
of  the  Baptists  in  New  England,  consisting  of  two  volumes  large  oc- 
tavo, a  work  highly  esteemed  by  this  Association. 

4.  Agreed  to  recommend  to  the  several  churches,  to  make  enquiry 
among  themselves  in  the  course  of  the  year,  what  number  they  will 
respectively  take,  of  an  intended  publication  of  materials  towards  a 
history  of  the  Baptists  in  New  Jersey,  and  transmit  an  account 
thereof  to  our  next  general  meeting. 

5.  Supplies  were  granted  for  the  destitute  church  at  Scotch 
Plains. 

6.  Voted,  That  our  next  Association  be  held  in  Philadelphia,  on  the 
first  Tuesday  in  October,  1786.  Introductory  sermon  to  be  preached 
at  three  o'clock,  p.  m.,  by  Brother  John  Gano;  in  case  of  failure, 
by  Brother  William  Vanhorn. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  207 

7.  Brother  William  Rogers,  is  requested  to  superintend  the  print- 
ing of  the  minutes  and  circular  letter  of  the  Association,  and  to  for- 
ward the  same  to  the  churches. 

Business  closed.  Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Brother  Manning, 
from  John  i.  29. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  REV.  WILLIAM  ROGERS. 

The  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  churches, 
convened  in  Association,  at  Philadelphia,  October  4,  1785. 

To  the  respective  churches,  with  whom  we  are  connected,  send 
Christian  salutation. 

Dearly  beloved  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, — The  subject,  which  we 
are  to  address  you  upon,  is  contained  in  Chapter  XI.  of  our  Confes- 
sion of  faith,  which  treats  of  Justification.  A  subject  truly  import- 
ant !  One  of  the  fundamental  articles  of  our  holy  religion  !  As  such, 
demands  our  very  particular  attention.  Therefore,  wherein  we  are 
obliged,  owing  to  the  confined  limits  of  our  annual  epistle,  to  study 
brevity,  our  hope  and  expectation  is,  that  you  will  individually 
make  up  such  deficiency  by  serious  meditation. 

Perspicuity  being  our  aim,  we  shall, 
I.  Explain  the  term. 
IT.  Consider  the  Author. 

III.  The  objects  interested. 

IV.  The  blessings  resulting. 

We  are,  I.  To  explain  the  term.  Justification,  spiritually  or  evan- 
gelically considered,  is  a  complete  acquittal  from  imputed  and  con- 
tracted guilt ;  a  deliverance  from  the  condemning  power  of  sin ;  an  act 
of  free  grace  flowing  from  Jehovah's  sovereign  good  will  and  pleasure. 
By  many  eminent  divines  this  leading  doctrine  of  our  creed  is  viewed 
as  twofold — eternal  and  declarative.  By  the  former,  we  under- 
stand that  which  existed  in  the  divine  mind  from  everlasting,  respect- 
ing the  chosen  seed,  united  with  Christ  their  head,  "who  hath  saved  us, 
according  to  his  own  purpose  and  grace,  which  was  given  us  in  Christ 
Jesus,  before  the  world  began,"  2  Tim.  i.  9.  By  the  latter,  viz.,  de- 
clarative justification,  is  designed  that  which,  in  time,  takes  place  in 
or  on  the  conscience  of  a  believer,  commonly  styled  justification  by 
or  through  faith.  It  is  upon  this,  dear  brethren,  we  now  address 
you,  this  is  the  light  wherein  our  Confession  treats  upon  it,  agreeing 
herewith,  our  catechism  tells  us  that  "justification  is  an  act  of  God's 
free  grace,  wherein  he  pardoneth  all  our  sins,  and  accepteth  us  as 
righteous  in  his  sight,  only  for  the  righteousness  of  Christ  imputed 
to  us,  and  received  by  faith  alone."  To  be  thus  fully  absolved  from 
all  sin  and  guilt,  by  virtue  of  Christ's  plenary  satisfaction,  and  pro- 
nounced "  heirs  of  eternal  life."  Oh  how  enlivening  the  thought !  how 
animating  the  reflection  !  "  Bless  the  Lord,  0  our  souls,  and  all  that 
is  within  us,  bless  his  holy  name  !" 

"We  come,  II.  To  consider  the  Author  of  our  justification.     In 


208  MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Other  words  from  Tvhom  it  proceeds.     Blended  with  which  we  must 
just  hint  at  some  of  the  causes  hereof. 

Educated  in  the  school  of  Jesus,  and  instructed  by  the  unerring 
Spirit  of  the  Most  High,  you  are  ready,  dearly  beloved,  to  anticipate 
us  under  this  head,  by  exclaiming  with  an  inspired  apostle,  "  It  is  God 
who  justifieth,"  Rom.  viii.  33.  A  Triune  God,  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghost.  A  truth  this,  when  viewed  in  all  its  parts,  calculated 
to  excite  not  only  within  us,  but  amid  the  angelic  choir  the  highest 
wonder.  ""Which  things  the  angels  desire  to  look  into,"  1  Pet.  i.  12. 
"  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his 
blood,  to  declare  his  righteousness  for  the  remission  of  sins  that  are 
past,  through  the  forbearance  of  God ;  to  declare,  I  say,  at  this 
time  his  righteousness,  that  he  might  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  him 
who  believeth  in  Jesus,"  Rom.  iii.  25,  26.  "Be  it  known  unto  you, 
therefore,  men  and  brethren,  that  through  this  man  is  preached 
unto  you  the  forgiveness  of  sins:  and  by  him  all  that  believe  are 
justified  from  all  things,  from  which  ye  could  not  be  justified  by  the 
law  of  Moses,"  Acts  xiii.  38,  39.  "And  such  were  some  of  you; 
but  ye  are  washed,  but  ye  are  sanctified,  but  ye  are  justified  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God,"  1  Cor.  vi.  11. 
Many  other  texts  might  be  quoted,  did  we  not  believe  you  to  be  already 
well  established  in  this  peculiar  excellency  of  gospel  revelation  !  Ke- 
vertheless  for  our  mutual  edification,  permit  us,  previous  to  our  dis- 
mission of  this  head,  to  mention,  with  all  due  conciseness,  a  few  of 
the  causes  of  our  being  thus  justified  or  pronounced  righteous.  "  The 
works  of  the  Lord  are  great,  sought  out  of  all  them  who  have 
pleasure  therein,"  is  of  equal  force  now  as  when  penned  by  Israel's 
king.     Thus  supported,  we  will  not  be  backward  in  asserting — 

1.  That  from  this  main  pillar,  this  sublime  characteristic  of  gospel 
truth,  man's  obedience  to  a  law  of  works  is  to  be  utterly  excluded. 
Paul  peremptorily  says,  "  By  the  deeds  of  the  law  no  flesh  shall  be 
justified  in  his  sight,"  Rom.  iii.  20.  This  single  declaration,  con- 
firmed by  repeated  equal  testimony,  condemns  at  once  every  idea 
of  justification  by  virtue  of  our  own  doings.  Those  who  harbor  a 
sentiment  so  opposed  to  Jehovah's  revealed  will,  vainly  imagine,  con- 
sistent with  themselves,  to  bring  the  Supreme  Governor  of  universal 
nature  under  obligation  to  do  them  good.  But,  beloved,  we  have  not 
so  learned  Christ ;  we  do  not  wish  to  rob  the  blessed  Redeemer  of  the 
highest  diadem  in  his  mediatorial  crown ;  we  do  not  intend  thus  basely 
to  detract  from  that  glory  which  peculiarly  belongs  to  the  sacred 
Three-One.  "  For  there  is  not  a  just  man  upon  earth,  who  doeth 
good  and  sinneth  not,"  Ecc.  vii.  20.  "But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean 
thing,  and  all  our  righteousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags,"  Isa.  Ixiv.  6. 

2.  What  is  by  too  many  denominated,  compliance  with  gospel 
terms,  we  do  not  admit  as  having  any  claim  hereunto.  Those  who 
cherish  this  opinion  are  grossly  mistaken.  The  gospel  of  our  salva- 
tion is  unconditional :  it  knows  no  terms  on  our  part  as  leading  to  a 
justifying  righteousness.  Faith  and  repentance  are  graces  bestowed 
by  the  Spii'it  of  God,  they  are  blessings  flowing  from  the  covenant 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  "209 

which  is  ordered  in  all  things  and  sure.  In  fine,  regeneration  of 
soul,  sanctification  of  heart,  sincerity  of  disposition,  holiness  of  life, 
persevering  fidelity,  undeviating  acquiescence  in  Jehovah's  govern- 
ment, steady  zeal  for  Imanuel's  interest,  all  our  own  pious  frames  of 
mind,  comfortable  feelings,  and  approving  testimonies  of  conscience, 
are,  with  respect  to  this  all-essential  doctrine,  to  be  kept  totally  out 
of  view.     To  what  then  is  our  justification  to  be  ascribed  ? 

We  reply,  first.  To  the  mere  grace  or  favor  of  God  as  the  moving 
cause,  "  being  justified  freely  by  his  grace,"  Rom.  iii.  2-4.  "  But 
after  that  the  kindness  and  love  of  God  our  Saviour  toward  man  ap- 
peared ;  not  by  works  of  righteousness,  which  we  have  done,  but 
according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,"  Tit.  iii.  4,  5.  That,  which  never 
could  have  been  found  out  by  men  or  angels,  the  wisdom  of  Jehovah 
contrived  and  his  love  hath  made  known.  This  is  the  original  source. 
Here  is  the  fountain  from  whence  all  doth  spring. 

Second.  To  the  life  and  passion  of  Jesus  as  the  procuring  cause. 
"  But  God  commendeth  his  love  towards  us,  in  that  while  we  were 
yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  Much  more  then,  being  now  justified 
by  his  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath  through  him,"  Rom.  v. 
8,  9.  He  fulfilled  every  precept,  bore  the  whole  penalty  of  the 
law  in  the  room  and  stead  of  his  people.  Thus  was  the  law  magnified 
and  rendered  honorable,  an  end  made  of  sin,  and  everlasting  righte- 
ousness brought  in.  "  And  this  is  his  name  whereby  he  shall  be  called, 
THE  LORD  OUR  RIGHTEOUSNESS,"  Jeremiah  xxiii.  6.  Oh 
glorious  name !  predicted  long  before  his  incarnation.  Unto  whom 
should  we  go,  but  unto  our  once  bleeding  but  now  risen  Saviour,  for 
acceptance  ?  For  us  he  drank  the  bitter  cup.  It  will  not  do  to  sub- 
stitute any  thing  in  the  place  of  this  noble  sacrifice  ;  it  is  now  a 
righteous  thing  with  God,  freely  to  justify  and  abundantly  to  pardon  : 
"  In  the  Lord  shall  all  the  seed  of  Israel  be  justified,  and  shall  glory," 
Isa.  xlv.  25.  The  robe  of  Christ's  righteousness  is  a  garment  down 
to  the  foot,  wherewith  every  member  of  the  mystical  body  is  amply 
covered,  "  for  he  hath  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin ; 
that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him,"  2  Cor.  v. 
21.  "  Such  a  High  Priest  became  us,  who  is  holy,  harmless,  unde- 
filed,  and  separate  from  sinners,"  Heb.  vii.  26.  Should  any  question, 
how  doth  Christ's  righteousness,  thus  consisting  of  the  holiness  of  his 
nature,  his  active  and  passive  obedience,  become  ours  in  such  wise 
that  we  are  necessarily  deemed  righteous  too  ? 

We  readily  Answer — By  imputation ;  by  making  it  over  unto  us  ; 
reckoning  it  ours,  or  placing  it  to  our  account,  being  wrought  out  by 
our  elder  brother  on  behalf  of  the  whole  ransomed  flock.  "  David 
describeth  the  blessedness  of  the  man,  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righ- 
teousness without  works,"  Rom.  iv.  6.  Pursuant,  therefore,  to  the 
unalterable  purpose  of  heaven ;  agreeable  to  the  economy  of  man's 
redemption ;  this  righteousness  of  the  precious  Jesus,  whereof  so 
many  glorious  things  are  spoken,  is  as  much  ours  as  though  wrought 
out  by  ourselves  in  our  own  proper  persons  ;  Rom.  v.  18, 19  ;  Phil.  iii. 
8,  9.     Thus  clothed  upon  with  raiment  of  needlework — thus  united 

27 


210  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

witli  the  head,  how  can  the  members  be  viewed  by  God  the  judge  of 
all  but  as  perfectly  and  completely  justified.  "  And  ye  are  complete 
in  him,  who  is  the  head  of  all  principality  and  power,"  Col.  ii.  10. 

Third.  Our  justification  is  by  some  ascribed  to  faith  as  an  instru- 
mental cause.  Strictly  speaking,  we  apprehend  faith  as  no  cause  at 
all  in  this  momentous  procedure,  but  rather  as  an  efi"ect.  It  is  true, 
the  scriptures  frequently  mention  a  justification  by  faith.  By  such 
expressions  it  is  evident  the  object,  and  not  the  act,  of  faith  is  de- 
signed ;  the  object  of  faith  is  Christ  and  his  righteousness  ;  this  .the 
believing  soul  lays  fast  hold  on.  Faith  is  the  eye  which  discovers, 
the  hand  which  receives ;  espying  a  Saviour's  worth,  charmed  with 
his  merit,  the  believer  is  so  enraptured  as  to  cast  away  all  his  heavy 
burden,  falls  at  Messiah's  feet,  confides  in  the  promise,  and  pleads 
atoning  blood:  "With  the  heart  man  believeth  unto  righteousness," 
Rom.  X.  10.  It  is  beautifully  noticed  by  one  of  our  very  first  and 
most  orthodox  writers.  "  The  reason  why  any  are  justified  is  not 
because  they  have  faith  ;  but  the  reason  why  they  have  faith  is  be- 
cause they  are  justified."  If  justified  faith  as  a  work  performed  by 
us  or  a  grace  wrought  within  us  ;  where  would  have  been  the  neces- 
sity of  the  death  and  resurrection  of  Jesus  ?  Faith  is  that  precious 
grace,  by  which  we  do  in  a  certain  manner  put  on  the  righteousness 
of  the  Lord's  anointed,  and  receive  the  greatest  of  all  blessings  from 
the  God  of  our  salvation.  "  It  is  grace  (saith  one)  which  quarrels 
much  with  human  pride  and  makes  its  only  boast  of  Sharon's  rose ; 
and  never  was  meant  to  be  our  justifying  righteousness  in  the  sight 
of  God,  else  it  would  learn  to  boast."  Faith  says,  "In  the  Lord 
have  I  righteousness;"  and  tells  a  sinner,  "I  cannot  save  thee; 
thou  art  saved  by  grace  through  faith."  The  grace  of  Jesus,  and 
that  alone  brings  salvation ;  and  the  sinner,  through  faith  as  an  in- 
strument, puts  in  his  hand,  is  enabled  to  reach  the  rich  donation  ; 
just  as  a  beggar,  by  his  empty  cap  stretched  forth,  receives  an  alms. 
We  proceed, 

III.  To  mention  the  objects  interested.  In  the  examination  of 
this  particular,  what  abundant  reason  have  we  to  adopt  the  prophe- 
tic language,  "  To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony  :  if  they  speak  not 
according  to  this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them."  Isa. 
viii.  20.  The  persons  justified  through  rich  and  sovereign  grace  are, 
in  the  living  oracles,  declared  to  be  "ungodly,"  Rom.  iv.  5;  also, 
"  sinners,"  Gal.  ii.  17.  Was  it  not  for  declarations  like  these,  where 
could  be  our  comfort  ?  We  are  all  sinners ;  we  are  all  ungodly ; 
does  it  from  hence  follow,  that  all  who  are  sinners,  all  who  are  un- 
godly, are  without  exception  justified  ?  By  no  means  !  The  whole 
canon  of  scripture  combine  with  the  dictates  of  sound  experience  to 
render  every  such  idea  inadmissible  !  It  is  true,  we  read  "  that  by 
the  righteousness  of  one,  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  justi- 
fication of  life,"  Rom.  v.  18.  By  a  careful  revision  of  what  goes 
before,  and  follows  after,  we  shall  find  the  apostle  did  not  mean  all  men 
absolutely,  but  all  the  chosen,  all  believers ;  his  epistle  was  directed 
to  "  all  that  be  in  Rome,  beloved  of  God,  called  to  be  saints."  More- 


MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  211 

over,  the  justified  are  represented  as  a  peculiar  people,  and  have  such 
characters  ascribed  to  them,  as  cannot,  without  the  greatest  incotv- 
sistency  and  abuse  of  language,  be  ascribed  to  all  the  progeny  of 
fallen  Adam.  They  are  spoken  of  as  those  who  are  predestinated, 
redeemed,  pardoned,  effectually  called,  sanctified,  regenerated,  &c. 
That  these  things  are  not  true,  with  respect  to  all  the  lapsed  family, 
every  unprejudiced  mind  must  acknowledge.  Upon  the  whole,  those 
who  are  unworthy  and  guilty  in  themselves,  but  in  the  everlasting 
covenant  elected  and  beloved,  have  the  righteousness  whereon  their 
justification  is  founded,  not  only  exhibited  to  them  by  the  gospel,  but 
brought  nigh  by  the  Holy  Ghost ;  these  are  the  "  purchased  posses- 
sion," this  is  the  "bride,  the  Lamb's  wife  ;"  between  whom  and  the 
Lord  Jesus,  an  union  not  only  now  exists  but  hath  existed,  ancient 
as  eternity  itself.  "  I  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love  ;  there- 
fore, with  loving  kindness  have  I  drawn  thee,"  Jer.  xxxi.  3.  A  mul- 
titude which  no  man  can  number. 

IV.  The  last  thing  proposed  for  investigation,  we  now  hasten  to 
unfold ;  viz :  the  blessings  resulting  herefrom. 

Where,  dear  brethren,  shall  we  begin,  and  how  shall  we  end ; 
blessings  great  indeed  crowd  in  upon  us  !  blessings  beyond  compare 
are  consequential  on  our  being  thus  freely  justified !  a  doctrine 
pregnant  with  comfort  inexpressible ;  a  foundation  is  hereby  laid  not 
simply  for  fluctuating  hope,  but  for  the  full  assurance  of  present  and 
of  future  bliss.  By  virtue  hereof,  we  experience :  1.  A  freedom  or 
deliverance  from  sin  and  condemnation.  From  all  sin,  as  to  its  guilt, 
from  its  reigning  power  and  dominion,  and  by  and  by  from  its  in- 
being:  "  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son,  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin," 
1  John  i.  7  ;  Heb.  x.  12—14.  Our  sins  are  covered  and  hid  from  the 
all  penetrating  eye  of  divine  justice,  and  when  sought  for  hereafter 
shall  not  be  found.  "  There  is,  therefore,  now  no  condemnation 
to  them  who  are  in  Christ  Jesus,"  Rom.  viii.  1;  Gal.  iii.  13.  When 
seriously  reflecting  on  our  happy  rescue  from  the  hands  of  Satan, 
our  accusing  foe  ;  also  from  death  and  the  grave,  as  penal  evils  :  but 
more  especially  from  the  pains  of  hell  and  the  wrath  to  come,  and  all 
as  the  effect  of  love  divine  !  what  heart  among  us  can  remain  cold 
and  lifeless  ?  what  tongue  among  us  can  cease  to  praise  ?  2.  As 
justified,  we  enjoy  peace  with  God.  "  Therefore,  being  justified  by 
faith,  we  have  peace  with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  Rom. 
v.  1 ;  connected  herewith  is  real  peace  of  mind  !  Oh,  happy  souls  ! 
brought  fully  to  behold  a  crucified  Redeemer  making  peace  by  the 
blood  of  his  cross:  "  The  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him," 
Isa.  Iii.  V.  Knowing  this  to  be  the  case,  well  may  we,  "  on  the  dove- 
like wings  of  faith,  fly  far  away  from  the  storms  and  tempests  of  an 
opposing  conscience,  and  find  in  the  Kock  of  Ages  a  quiet  sanctuary 
and  safe  retreat." 

3.  The  acceptance  of  our  persons  and  services  is  another  blessing 
resulting  herefrom.  The  Father  is  well  pleased  with  both  for  the 
alone  sake  of  Christ  his  Son,  "  to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace, 
wherein  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved,"  Eph.  i.  6.   Christ's 


212  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

garments  smell  of  myrrh,  aloes,  and  cassia,  ■wherewith  his  people 
being  clad,  the  Lord  smells  a  sweet  smell  in  them  also.  A  view  of 
this  emboldens  us  to  draw  near  to  the  King  of  kings,  Heb.  x.  19-22. 
The  person,  the  blood,  the  righteousness,  the  mediation  of  Jesus  are 
the  only  foundation  of  all  our  pleas  at  the  celestial  throne. 

4.  As  justified  we  are  blessed  through  life,  shall  be  so  at  death, 
yea,  throughout  eternity.  While  on  earth,  we  are  expressly  assured 
that  "  all  things  work  together  for  our  good  ;"  when  summoned  to 
die,  we  need  not  fear  the  grim  messenger.  The  property  of  temporal 
death  with  respect  to  God's  people  is  greatly  changed ;  it  puts  an 
end  to  all  their  sorrows,  hath  its  sting  taken  away,  and  will  prove  to 
be  our  very  great  gain.  In  honor  and  triumph  are  such  conveyed 
to  the  mansions  above,  and  oh  !  with  what  joy  are  the  everlasting 
doors  expanded  wide  for  their  reception.  Our  bodies,  though  mould- 
ered to  dust,  will  nevertheless  enjoy  a  glorious  resurrection — our  per- 
sons, at  the  last  day,  an  honorable  distinction  and  gracious  approba- 
tion from  the  Judge  supreme ;  never  ceasing  felicity,  consummate 
happiness,  and  perpetual  glory  will  be  our  portion.  "  Eye  hath  not 
seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the 
things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  who  love  him,"  1  Cor.  ii.  9. 
We  shall  then,  oh  joyful  period  !  live  and  reign  with  Christ  for  ever 
and  ever,  and  our  song  will  uninterruptedly  be,  "  Unto  him  who 
loved  us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood,  and  hath 
made  us  priests  and  kings  unto  God  and  his  Father,  to  him  be  glory 
and  dominion  for  ever  and  ever,"  Rev.  i.  5,  6.  Justification  and 
glorification  are  closely  connected ;  they  go,  as  it  were,  hand  in 
hand,  Rom.  v.  8,  10 ;  viii.  30. 

Having  thus  endeavored  to  explain  this  leading  article  of  the 
Christian  faith,  we  shall  now  close  our  address  with  such  inferences 
as  appear  easily  deducible  therefrom. 

1.  Hereby  we  are  taught  the  futility  of  opinions  which,  however 
remotely,  lead  to  self  dependence.  Justification  either  by  our  own  ex- 
ternal performances  or  any  inherent  holiness  whatever,  are  sentiments 
fully  exploded  by  all  who  are  acquainted  with  the  truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus :  we  are  justified  in  such  a  way  as  excludes,  in  every  sense, 
all  boasting  in^  ourselves.  "  Where  is  boasting,  then  ?  It  is 
excluded.  By  what  law  ?  Of  works  ?  Nay ;  but  by  the  law  of  faith," 
Rom.  iii.  27. 

2.  The  necessity  of  highly  prizing  that  righteousness  which  is 
revealed  in  the  gospel,  as  the  only  foundation  of  genuine  hope  and 
solid  joy.  This  righteousness  as  hath  been  proved,  is  the  alone  mat- 
ter of  our  justification  in  Jehovah's  sight ;  a  righteousness  which 
was  devised  and  provided  for  us  by  the  Father ;  wrought  out  for  us 
by  the  Son,  and  now  made  over  unto  us  by  the  Holy  Ghost ;  a  righte- 
ousness perfect  and  divine,  wherewith  justice  is  satisfied,  the  law 
magnified,  the  Triune  glorified,  and  grace,  superabounding  grace 
displayed.  To  exhibit  this  righteousness,  to  elucidate  its  worth,  to 
inform  us  of  the  peculiar  happiness  of  those  to  whom  it  is  imputed, 
is  the  main  design  both  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments.     May  we, 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  213 

therefore,  "  searcli  the  Scriptures,  for  they  are  they  which  testify  of 
Immanuel,  God  with  us."     We  also — 

3.  From  hence,  learn  that  the  standing  of  all  who  are  justified  is 
secure  indeed.  To  fall  therefrom  is  utterly  impossible.  How  can 
such  come  into  condemnation,  or  be  made  partakers  of  the  second 
death  ?  They  cannot ;  the  righteousness  of  the  Mediator  is  an  ever- 
lasting righteousness.  This  being  the  sole  ground  of  our  confidence, 
it  evidently  follows  that  our  abiding  is  safe  ;  the  believer  can  never 
lose  his  interest  therein ;  the  act  which  justifies  is  in  itself  unalter- 
able ;  it  is  coeval  with  the  eternal  covenant ;  the  benefit  thereof  is 
insured,  and  will  for  ever  be  enjoyed  by  us.  "  No  weapon  that  is 
formed  against  thee  shall  prosper ;  and  every  tongue  that  shall  rise 
against  thee  in  judgment  thou  shalt  condemn.  This  is  the  heritage 
of  the  servants  of  the  Lord,  and  their  righteousness  is  of  me,  saith 
the  Lord,"  Isa.  liv.  17.  The  love  wherewith  we  are  loved,  the  grace 
wherewith  we  are  visited,  will  endure  unto  the  end. 

"  For  Christ  in  every  age  has  prov'd, 
His  purchase  firm  and  true  ; 
If  this  foundation  be  removed, 
What  shall  the  righteous  do  V 

Is  it  then,  dearly  beloved  brethren,  as  hath  been  represented  ? 
Supported  by  the  unerring  volume,  we  think  this  question  may  be 
fully  answered  in  the  afiirmative.  What  improvement,  then,  ought 
we  to  make  of  so  essential  a  part  of  truth  divine  ?  Examine  your- 
selves. Have  you  any  solid  reason  whereon  to  ground  your  belief 
that  you  are  the  objects  interested  ?  Admire  then  the  grace  of  God,  in 
imputing  to  you  righteousness  so  complete ;  rejoice  therein,  and  have 
no  confidence  in  the  flesh ;  ascribe  the  whole  of  your  finished  salva- 
tion to  Jehovah's  boundless  love  ;  sing,  in  humble  notes,  the  church's 
song,  "  Not  unto  us,  0  Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name  give 
glory,  for  thy  mercy,  and  for  thy  truth's  sake,"  Ps.  cxv.  1.  Live 
near  to  God,  to  whose  unmerited  favor  alone  you  are  indebted  for  a 
translation  from  surrounding  darkness  into  marvellous  and  stupendous 
light.  The  doctrine  of  justification,  when  rightly  viewed,  unavoid- 
ably leads  to  strict  holiness  both  in  life  and  conversation.  Evidence, 
then,  by  your  constant  fruit,  that  you  are  the  called  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus ;  persevere  in  the  discharge  of  every  duty.  "  Do  we 
then  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ?  God  forbid.  Yea,  we  es- 
tablish the  law,"  Rom.  iii.  31.  "  For  we  are  his  workmanship, 
created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works,  which  God  hath  before 
ordained,  that  we  should  walk  in  them,"  Eph.  ii,  10  Be  not  dis- 
couraged, though  you  have  foes  without  and  foes  within.  Greater  is 
he  who  is  for  us,  than  all  those  who  are  against  us.  Owing  to  in- 
dwelling corruption  and  pride  of  heart,  we  too  often  ofi'end  the  best 
of  Beings ;  for  our  consolation  it  is  recorded,  "  If  we  forsake  his  law, 
and  walk  not  in  his  judgments ;  if  we  break  his  statutes,  and  keep 
not  his  commandments,  then  will  he  visit  our  transgressions  with  a 
rod,  and  our  iniquities  with  stripes.     Nevertheless,  his  loving  kind- 


214  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

ness  will  he  not  utterly  take  from  us,  nor  suffer  his  faithfulness  to 
fail,"  Ps.  Ixxxix.  30—33.  See  also  Isa.  liv.  7,  8.  Chastised  we  may 
be  with  the  rod  of  a  father,  but  not  with  the  wounds  of  an  enemy. 
"  "What  though  your  afflictions  are  great  ?  there  is  no  wrath  in  the 
portion  of  your  cup  ;  though  men  should  condemn  you,  God  will  not ; 
though  devils  accuse  you,  they  shall  not  prevail." 

How  honored  are  the  subjects  of  Jehovah's  grace  !  By  far  more 
dignified  than  the  angels  who  never  sinned  !  Frequently  call  to  mind 
that  celestial  anthem,  which,  through  eternity,  will  be  chaunted  on 
the  highest  key  by  all  the  redeemed  throng;  "Worthy  is  the  Lamb 
that  was  slain  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength, 
and  honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing,"  Rev.  v.  12.  You  can  never 
think  enough  of  Christ  and  his  righteousness ;  let  this  then  be  your 
constant  theme. 

"  Some  this,  some  that  good  virtue  teach, 
To  rectify  the  soul ; 
But  we  first  after  Jesus  reach, 
And  richly  grasp  the  whole." 

To  conclude.  The  doctrine  of  justification,  the  subject  treated 
upon  in  this  letter,  being  a  doctrine  so  infinitely  momentous,  we  do, 
with  all  Christian  aflfection,  as  members  of  the  same  body  with  you, 
recommend  it  to  the  serious  and  candid  perusal  of  all.  A  doctrine,  we 
trust,  wherein  our  associated  churches  are  firmly  established ;  for 
wherever  the  gospel  is  purely  preached,  this  doctrine  must  necessarily 
not  only  make  a  part,  but  a  distinguished  part  thereof.  That  the 
light  of  divine  truth  may  emit  its  rays  in  such  wise,  as  to  dispel 
every  gloom  and  all  the  mists  of  error  ;  that  soundness  in  every 
article  of  our  orthodox  faith  may  be  restored  among,  and  contended 
for,  by  all  God's  children,  wherever  dispersed;  that  the  good  word 
of  the  kingdom  may  run  to  and  fro  and  be  abundantly  glorified,  even 
from  the  rising  to  the  setting  sun ;  that  whenever  it  is  dispensed  it 
may  be  accompanied  with  the  demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and  of 
power ;  finally,  that  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  understand- 
ing, may  visit  all  our  borders,  is,  dear  brethren,  the  unfeigned  wish 
and  cordial  prayer  of  yours,  in  the  best  of  bonds. 

By  order  of  the  Association, 

Oliyek  Hart,  Moderator. 
William  Rogers,  Clerk. 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


215 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS  AT  THE    ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1' 

■si 

'i  ►J 

1 

8 

1 

s 

M 

S 

R 

4 

0 

(5 
2 

0 

0 

69 

Pennepek, 

'Samuel  Jones, 
John  Holmes, 
Jesse  Dungan, 
Benjamin  Dungan, 
Isaac  Hough, 

Middletown,f 

Abel  Morgan,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

95 

Piscataqua, 

Reune  Runyan, 
Abraham  Munday, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

39 

Cohansie, 

< 

[  Robert  Kelsay,* 
'  Nathan  Shepherd, 
'  Joel  Shepherd, 

1 

1 

2 

2 

3 

116 

Welsh  Tract, 
Great  Valley, 

'  John  Boggs, 
Andrew  Edge, 
Thomas  Ainger, 

10 

1 

2 
0 

3 

2 

0 
0 

2 
1 

60 
30 

James  Davis, 
Daniel  Cornog, 

Cape  May, 

Artis  Seagraves,* 
Jonathan  Hildreth, 

13 

2 

2 

0 

6 

72 

Hopewell,                       -< 

Oliver  Hart, 
John  Jewell, 
Nathaniel  Stout, 

1 

0 

1 

4 

5 

190 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

2 

•   0 

2 

0 

0 

16 

Montgomery, 

David  Loofborrow, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

37 

Kingwood, 

Nicholas  Cox, 

6 

4 

0 

0 

0 

83 

Southampton, 

'  William  Vanhorn, 
Joseph  Hart, 
^  Arthur  Watts, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

4 

50 

Philadelphia, 

'  Thomas  Ustick, 
William  Rogers, 
Joseph  Watkins, 
Samuel  Davis,  jr., 
Elisha  Gordon, 

3 

5 

1 

1 

2 

111 

^Cranberry, 
Scotch  Plains, 

Peter  Wilson, 
Samuel  Minor, 
John  Hull, 

r 

23 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

1 

1 
1 

71 

96 

Joseph  Manning, 

Morristown, 
Knowlton, 

New  Britain, 

3 
10 

1 

0 

1 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

52 
35 

37 

Joshua  Jones, 
Edward  Mathew, 

0 

Salem, 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
John  Briggs, 

3 

0 

1 

0 

3 

44 

Newtown, t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

74 

Pawling's  Precincts,t 

Samuel  Waldo,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

53 

216 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


MINISTERS  AND    MESSENGERS. 


Dividing  Creek, 
New  York, 

New  Mills, 

Upper  Freehold, 

Mount  Bethel, 
Lyon's  Farms, 

Pittsgrove, 

Tuckahoe,t 

Stamford,t 
King  Street, 
Cow  Marsh,f 
London  Tract, 

Hilltown, 

Lower  Smithfield,T[ 
Mispilion,l[  (Del.) 


f  John  Gano,* 
I  Stephen  Gano, 

(  Samuel  Jones, 

iJoHN  Blackwell, 
James  Tapscott, 
Christopher  Morris, 

Abner  Sutton,* 


(  William  AVorth,* 
I  David  Elwell, 


John  Dodge,* 


Thomas  Fleeson, 

f  John  Thomas,* 
I  Nathan  Evans, 

David  Jatne, 

Eliphaz  Dazey, 


4 

2 

0 

55 

1 

1 

2 

1 

0 

5 

0 

2 

7 

0 

0 

7 

0 

0 

1 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

2 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

6 

0 

0 

67 

21 

21 

51 
136 

76 


56 
77 
17 
31 
30 

96 
33 
16 


Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Those  marked  thus  * 
not  present.       The  churches  marked  thus  f  sent  neither  letters  nor  messengers, 

and  their  numbers  remain  as  last  year.     A  dash  denotes  no  settled 

minister. 

*^*  The  two  last  mentioned  churches  marked  thus  ^  were,  after  giving  full 
satisfaction  as  to  their  faith  and  order,  received  among  us  at  this  annual  meet- 
ing, and  the  names  of  their  messengers  enrolled  accordingly. 


MINUTES 


OF   THE 


PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  IN  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  3d,  4tH,  AND  5tH, 

1786. 


October  3d,  three  o'clock,  p.  M. — According  to  appointment, 
Brother  John  Gano  opened  the  Association  with  a  very  suitable  dis- 
course, from  1  Tim.  iv.  1:  "Now,  the  Spirit  speaketh  expressly,  that 
in  the  latter  times  some  shall  depart  from  the  faith,  giving  heed  to 
seducing  spirits,  and  the  doctrines  of  devils." 

2.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother 
Thomas  Ustick,  clerk.  Letters  from  thirty-five  churches  were 
read. 

October  4,  nine  o'clock. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

3.  Doctor  Manning,  president  of  the  University  at  Providence, 
Rhode  Island,  being  present,  his  company  and  assistance  were 
desired. 

4.  The  letters  and  minutes  of  the  Association  at  Warren,  Charles- 
ton, Ketockton,  and  Georgia,  containing  agreeable  accounts,  were 
read.     Their  numbers  are, 


Warren,  3,451 

Charleston,  966 


Ketockton,  985 

Georgia,  223 


5.  Unanimously  agreed,  that  in  future  no  person  be  permitted  to 
speak  in  this  Association  more  than  twice  upon  the  same  subject, 
without  special  permission. 

Adjoured  till  half  past  two,  P.  M. 

6.  Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. — Inasmuch  as  the  diflficulty  men- 
tioned in  our  last  year's  minutes,  and  occasioned  by  conversation, 
&c.,  of  Brother  David  Jones,  which  led  some  of  our  brethren  to  sup- 
pose that  he  denied  "  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  be  the  object  of 
prayer,"  has  not  been  settled  according  to  the  recommendation  of 
last  year ;  wherefore 

This  Association,  after  having  the  whole  matter  again  discussed, 
concludes. 

First.  That  our  brethren,  Oliver  Hart  and  William  Vanhorn,  had 
reason  to  understand  Brother  Jones  according  to  their  respective  de- 
clarations.    Nevertheless, 

28  (217) 


218  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Second.  Upon  Brother  Jones'  free  acknowledgment  of  his  full  belief 
in  the  Deity  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  that  he  is  the  object  of 
prayer,  this  Association  is  ■willing  to  continue  Brother  Jones  in 
fellowship. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Brother  Hart,  from  Isa.  xxxv.  10. 

October  5. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

7.  Whereas,  the  consideration  of  a  query  from  the  Philadelphia 
church,  relative  to  "  the  administration  of  the  Lord's  supper  among 
any  of  our  brethren  and  sisters,  however  numerous  they  may  be  in 
any  one  place,  during  the  period  of  their  remaining  unorganized  or 
unconstituted  as  a  distinct,  regular  church  by  themselves,"  was  post- 
poned to  the  present  year.     ^Ye  answer. 

First.  That  the  Lord's  supper  ought  not  to  be  administered  to 
persons  who  are  not  members  of  any  church,  though  baptized. 

Second.  That  this  ordinance  should  not  be  administered  to  mem- 
bers of  churches  in  a  scattered  situation,  without  the  consent  of  one 
or  more  of  those  chui'ches  ;  but  permission  being  first  obtained,  they 
may  proceed. 

8.  The  churches  are  desired,  within  six  months,  to  transmit  to  the 
care  of  Brother  Ustick,  such  moneys  as  they  are  inclined  to  appro- 
priate to  the  purpose  of  printing  the  materials  of  the  history  of  the 
Baptists  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  reckoning  at  the  rate  of  three 
shillings  per  volume. 

9.  The  letter  to  the  Charleston  Association,  prepared  by  Brother 
rieeson ;  that  to  the  Ketockton  Association,  by  Brother  Vanhorn ; 
and  that  to  the  Warren  Association,  by  Brother  Rogers ;  were  read 
and  approved. 

Our  brethren,  Nicholas  Cox  and  Lewis  Richards,  are  appointed 
messengers  to  the  Ketockton,  and  brothers  William  Rogers  and  Wil- 
liam Vanhorn,  to  the  Warren  Association. 

10.  The  circular  letter  prepared  by  Brother  Thomas  Ustick,  was 
read  and  approved.  Brother  Peter  P.  Vanhorn  is  appointed  to  write 
one  for  the  ensuing  year. 

11.  Supplies  were  granted  for  the  following  destitute  places : — 
Morristown  and  Great  Valley. 

12.  Voted,  That  our  next  Association  be  held  at  New  York,  on 
the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  1787.  Introductory  sermon  to  be 
preached  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  by  Brother  William  Vanhorn ;  in 
case  of  failure,  by  Brother  John  Bogs. 

13.  Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
minutes,  and  forward  them  to  the  churches. 

Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Brother  Lewis  Richards,  from  Matt. 
X.  16. 

CIRCULAR   LETTER. 

BY    REV.  THOMAS  USTICK. 

The  elders  and  brethren  of  the  several  Baptist  churches,  convened 
in  Association,  at  Philadelphia,  October  3d,  1786. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  219 

Send  Christian  salutation  to  the  churches  with  whom  we  are 
united. 

Dearly  beloved, — The  present  meeting  has  afforded  us  an  oppor- 
tunity of  hearing  the  most  agreeable  tidings  from  some  of  our 
churches,  which  convince  us,  that  "  God  is  waiting  to  be  gracious" 
and  "  ever  mindful  of  his  covenant."  Jer.  xxxi.  33,  "  I  will  put  my 
law  in  their  inward  parts,  and  write  it  in  their  hearts ;  and  will  be 
their  God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people."  And  again,  2  Cor.  vi.  18, 
"  I  will  be  a  father  unto  you,  and  ye  shall  be  my  sons  and  daughters, 
saith  the  Lord  Almighty."  We  are  daily  realizing  the  accomplish- 
ment of  these  divine  promises.  It  is,  therefore,  with  peculiar  plea- 
sure, that  we  now  address  you  on  the  interesting  and  glorious  subject 
of  Adoption.     See  Confession  of  faith.  Chap.  XII. 

The  adoption  of  a  person  into  a  family  imports,  that  previous  to 
that  transaction  he  did  not  bear  the  relation  of  a  child  in  that  family ; 
and  therefore  could  have  no  claim  to  the  distinguishing  name,  peculiar 
titles,  proper  estates,  or  special  interests  of  the  family.  He  may, 
indeed,  be  an  alien,  or  an  enemy,  and  yet  become  an  adopted  son. 
Because  the  act,  which  constitutes  him  a  son  in  a  law  sense,  entirely 
depends  upon  the  will  of  the  adopter.  Spiritual  adoption  may  be 
defined,  as  the  sovereign  or  authoritative  act  of  God's  grace,  by  which 
persons  are  translated  from  the  family  of  Satan  into  the  family  of 
God :  and  being  put  among  the  children  are  justly  entitled  to  all  the 
privileges  of  a  divine  and  everlasting  inheritance. 

When  we  consider  that  it  is  said  of  God,  "  that  he  calleth  those 
things  which  be  not  as  though  they  were,"  we  shall  readily  perceive 
that  the  decree  of  adoption  has  its  date  in  eternity  ;  but  the  mani- 
festation or  execution  of  the  decree  in  time,  at  different  periods,  with 
respect  to  individuals,  by  the  spirit  of  adoption ;  and  at  the  consum- 
mation of  time,  with  respect  to  the  collective  mystical  body  of  Christ, 
by  the  resurrection.  This  distinction  is  purely  scriptural.  The  de- 
cree, moving  cause,  and  end,  are  all  comprehended  in  Eph.  i.  5,  "  Hav- 
ing predestinated  us  unto  the  adoption  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ  to 
himself,  according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will,  to  the  praise  of 
the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  be- 
loved." For  as  persons  may  be  elected  to  offices,  before  they  are 
qualified  or  invested  with  power  to  execute  the  office ;  so  in  the  family 
of  God  persons  are  really  elected  to  the  state  and  privilege  of  sons 
from  eternity.  Hence  for  the  accomplishment  of  this  decree  we 
read,  Gal.  iv.  4,  5,  "  But  when  the  fulness  of  the  time  was  come, 
God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law,  to 
redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive  the 
adoption  of  sons."  Accordingly,  in  their  conversion  they  are  recog- 
nized by  Jehovah  as  sons  and  daughters,  John  i.'  12,  "  But  as  many 
as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God, 
even  to  them  that  believe  on  his  name."  Lastly,  the  perfect  mani- 
festation or  consummation  of  this  glorious  grace  is  mentioned,  Rom. 
viii.  23,  "  Waiting  for  the  adoption,  to  wit,  the  redemption  of  our 
body." 


220  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION". 

Justification  and  adoption  are  law  phrases.  They  both  have  refer- 
ence to  our  former  condition ;  and  are  each  in  different  respects  ex- 
pressive of  the  important  blessings  of  salvation.  No  single  term 
could  answer  the  end  of  fully  expressing  the  nature  of  our  salvation. 
Different  phrases  therefore  are  used  to  help  our  conceptions  of  those 
blessings,  which  are  ineffable ;  and  for  the  perfect  knowledge  of  which 
we  must  wait,  until  their  consummation  in  glory. 

Justification  is  a  great  blessing  ;  but  adoption  is  greater.  Justifi- 
cation is  the  constituting  or  making  a  person  righteous  in  the  eye 
of  the  law ;  delivering  him  from  every  charge  of  guilt,  or  obnoxious- 
ness  to  punishment,  and  furnishing  him  with  an  active  righteousness, 
commensurate  to  its  utmost  demands.  A  justified  person  then  is  no 
longer  under  condemnation;  no  longer  liable  to  endure  the  curse  of 
the  law,  or  the  wrath  of  God.  "  For  we  are  justified  freely  by  his 
grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ."  Thus  our  progeni- 
tors, whilst  innocent,  were  free  from  every  charge  of  guilt.  Where- 
fore simply  to  be  justified,  would  be  only  recovering  us  from  the  ruins 
of  the  apostacy,  and  reinstating  man  in  his  former  dominion,  holi- 
ness and  happiness.  This  would  be  grace.  It  would  be  free,  un- 
merited grace  ;  and,  admitting  it  to  be  confirmed,  would  be  infinitely 
valuable.  But  who  does  not  see,  that  the  price  of  our  redemption  is 
too  precious  to  be  expended  in  this  way,  and  for  no  greater  end  ? 
Here  then  comes  in  the  necessity  of  the  superlative  grace  of  adop- 
tion ;  which  is  necessary  to  render  our  state  better  than  it  was  before 
— necessary  to  raise  us  above  the  condition  of  servants ;  and  to  en- 
large the  expressions  of  the  infinite  kindness  of  God  towards  the 
elect ;  and  especially  necessary  to  reward,  in  an  ample  and  satisfac- 
tory manner,  the  beloved  Son  of  God  for  the  arduous  work  of  our 
redemption.  The  persons  for  whom  Christ  died,  were  the  objects  of 
his  delight  from  eternity.  He  could  not  therefore  have  been  satis- 
fied, that  they  should  be  eternally  removed  from  his  presence.  Ob- 
serve his  own  declaration,  John  xvii.  24,  "  Father,  I  will  that  they 
also  whom  thou  hast  given  me  be  with  me  where  I  am,  that  they  may 
behold  my  glory."  Since,  then,  by  justification  we  can  look  back  with 
joy  upon  the  dangers  of  sin,  death,  and  hell,  from  which  we  have 
escaped ;  so  by  adoption  we  are  permitted  to  look  upwards  to  a  state 
of  exalted,  permanent,  and  unalloyed  bliss,  to  which  we  have  an  inde- 
feasible right  as  the  sons  of  God  and  the  bride  of  Christ. 

Adoption  may  be  distinguished  likewise  from  regeneration.  By  the 
former  we  are  brought  into  the  relation  of  children  to  God ;  and  by 
the  latter  we  receive  the  nature,  likeness,  and  image  of  God.  Be- 
sides, as  we  can  have  no  idea  of  regeneration  in  a  subject,  who  has 
not  received  the  filial  nature;  so  we  can  have  no  finished  idea  of 
adoption  in  one  who'  has  not  received  the  filial  spirit.  There  is  that 
temper  or  spirit  in  true  believers,  which  leads  them  to  think  and  act 
agreeable  to  the  holy  nature  of  God,  and  correspondent  to  the  ex- 
alted character  and  dignified  relation  which  they  sustain  as  the  chil- 
dren of  God.  This  principle  is  not  natural  to  man,  but  is  the  fruit 
of  the  Spirit  of  God.     It  is  said  of  the  wicked,  "  that  the  spirit  of 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  221 

disobedience  worketh  in  their  hearts."  Their  condition  is  servile. 
The  spirit  of  bondage  exercises  their  minds  and  governs  their  con- 
duct. On  the  other  hand,  the  sons  of  God  are  led  to  action  by  the 
spirit  of  adoption  ;  who  moulds  and  tempers  their  minds  after  a  di- 
vine manner  into  the  image  of  Christ,  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  Hence  they 
are  not  impelled  by  the  fears  of  a  slave,  but  are  drawn  by  the  cords 
of  love.  "  For  ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage  again  to 
fear ;  but  ye  have  received  the  spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry, 
Abba,  Father,"  Rom.  viii.  15.  The  Spirit  of  God,  as  a  spirit  of  love 
and  obedience  to  the  Father,  engaged  the  immaculate  Redeemer,  in 
the  actions  of  his  life  and  suflferings  of  death,  to  fulfil  all  righteous- 
ness. This  Spirit  God  giveth  not  unto  him  by  measure,  John  iii.  34. 
And  we,  agreeably  to  his  promise,  receive  the  same  holy  unction  in 
our  measure.  "  And  because  ye  are  sons,  God  hath  sent  forth  the 
Spirit  of  his  Son  into  your  hearts,  crying,  Abba,  Father,"  Gal.  iv.  6. 
This  Spirit  is  in  all  the  regenerate  sons  of  God.  "  For  as  many  as 
are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they  are  the  sons  of  God,"  Rom.  viii. 
14.  It  is  also  a  Spirit  of  love.  "  For  every  one  that  loveth  is  born 
of  God,"  1  John  iv.  7.  This  love  appears  to  be  genuine,  when  its 
operations  are  unconfined  and  universally  extended  to  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  family  of  God.  "  By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye 
are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have  love  one  to  another,"  John  xiii.  35. 
Having  this  Spirit  in  measure,  we  shall  be  able  to  support  the  rela- 
tions which  we  sustain  in  the  heavenly  family ;  as  the  sons  of  God, 
brethren  of  Christ,  and  joint-heirs  of  the  same  eternal  inheritance, 
with  dignity  and  delight,  in  this  present  life.  But  when  all  the  sons 
and  daughters  of  Jehovah  have  their  adoption  consummated  in  a  glo- 
rious resurrection,  they  shall  then  enjoy  this  Spirit  in  perfection,  as 
one  glorious  bride  adorned  for  her  husband. 

When  persons  are  removed  from  one  family  to  another  by  this  act 
of  liberality,  it  is  generally  supposed,  that  they  make  a  gainful  ex- 
change. Without  this  prospect,  no  one  would  consent  to  this  trans- 
lation. And,  although  the  consent  of  the  person  cannot  be  obtained, 
because  of  non-age  or  some  other  impediment ;  yet  the  Author  of 
adoption  always  concludes,  that  he  confers  an  obligation.  And  in 
spiritual  adoption  the  subjects  are  invariably  convinced,  that  the 
grace  is  unspeakably  great.  Wherefore  they  can  never  return  to 
the  family  of  Satan,  or  heartily  espouse  the  interests  of  sin.  For 
these  realize  the  truth  of  that  divine  declaration,  1  Tim.  iv.  8.  "  God- 
liness is  profitable  unto  all  things,  having  promise  of  the  life  that  now 
is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come." 

Many  would  esteem  it  a  great  privilege  to  be  translated  from  a 
poor  family  into  one  that  is  rich  ;  but  to  be  saved  by  this  means  from 
impending  ruin,  from  immediate  death,  must  inexpressibly  enhance 
the  value  of  the  blessing.  Though  some  might  be  inclined  to  de- 
spise the  idea  of  dependence,  which  a  change  of  family  implies ; 
yet  we  conclude,  that  none  would  refuse  the  favor,  if  death  must 
inevitably  follow  their  refusal.  Such  was  the  situation  of  Moses,  accord- 
ing to  the  narration  in  chapter  second  of  Exodus,    His  life  was  most 


222  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

imminently  exposed  to  destruction,  and  he  must  have  perished,  had 
not  God  interposed  by  his  providence  for  his  deliverance.  Happy  for 
Moses !  happy  for  the  tribes  of  Israel !  that  by  the  disposal  of 
Providence,  he  fell  into  the  hands  of  one  whose  heart  was  made  sus- 
ceptible of  the  tender  feelings  of  humanity ;  and  who  had  it  in  her 
power  to  spare  his  life,  notwithstanding  the  cruel  edict  of  the  Egyp- 
tian king.  The  adoption  of  Moses  into  the  royal  family,  and  the 
preservation  of  his  life,  were  closely  connected.  For  by  this  act  she 
not  only  gave  him  a  new  name — Moses  ;  because,  says  she,  "  I  drew 
him  out  of  the  water ;"  and  made  ample  provision  for  his  support 
and  royal  education :  but  she  also  gave  him  his  life  ;  she  rescued  him 
from  a  double  death :  from  perishing  in  the  waters,  and  from  the 
sword  of  barbarous  jealousy. 

How  exactly  parallel  does  this  history  run  with  the  adoption  of 
sinners  into  the  family  of  God,  who  were  justly  exposed  to  both  the 
first  and  second  death.  He,  Avhois  author  of  all  compassion,  stretched 
out  his  omnipotent  arm  for  their  deliverance  ;  and  with  infinite  bene- 
volence says  of  every  subject  of  redemption,  "  Deliver  him  from  go- 
ing down  to  the  pit,  I  have  found  a  ransom,"  Job  xxxiii.  24.  Thus 
sparing  them  as  his  own  children,  and  even  delivering  to  justice,  in 
the  sinners'  room,  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  he  might  place  them 
in  the  condition  of  children,  and  bring  them  to  the  inheritance  of 
everlasting  glory.  "  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his 
only  begotten  Son ;  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish, 
but  have  everlasting  life,"  John  iii.  16. 

In  this  glorious  grace,  God  appears  as  our  father,  and  we  as  his 
children.  Respecting  this  relation  we  can  have  no  knowledge,  until 
we  are  the  "childi'en  of  God  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus."  Then  we  are 
made  to  see,  "  what  is  the  fellowship  of  the  mystery,  which  from  the 
beginning  of  the  world  hath  been  hid  in  God,"  Eph.  iii.  9.  By  this 
powerful  grace  we,  who  are  sinners  of  the  gentiles,  are  authorised  to 
claim  aU  the  privileges  of  the  sons  of  God ;  being  no  longer  consi- 
dered as  "  strangers  and  foreigners,  but  fellow-citizens  with  the  saints, 
and  of  the  household  of  God ;  and  are  built  upon  the  foundation  of 
the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner 
stone,"  Eph.  ii.  19,  20,  upon  whom  the  weight  of  the  building  rests, 
and  in  whom  both  bodies  are  united.  If  therefore  we  are  Christs,  then 
are  we  Abraham's  seed  and  heirs  according  to  the  promise.  Although 
the  author  of  the  Romans  remarks,  that  "  to  the  Isralites  pertaineth 
the  adoption;"  yet  he  quickly  subjoins,  "They  which  are  the  chil- 
dren of  the  flesh,  these  are  not  the  children  of  God  ;  but  the  children 
of  the  promise  are  counted  for  the  seed."  Surely  this  privilege  is  be- 
yond comparison  glorious  ;  that  we,  who  formerly  were  not  considered 
the  Lords  people,  should  now  be  called  the  children  of  the  living  God. 
Kot  by  any  alteration  of  Jehovah's  plan ;  but  "  according  to  the  eternal 
purpose  which  he  purposed  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord."  For  our  re- 
generation, knowledge  of  the  gospel,  faith  and  repentance,  are  not 
only  the  efi"ects  of  a  prior,  but  of  an  everlasting  cause,  viz.,  the  love 
of  God.    "  I  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love ;  therefore,  with 


MINUTES   OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  223 

loving  kindness  have  I  drawn  thee."  Behold  and  be  astonished, 
brethren,  at  this  stupendous  grace.  "  Behold  what  manner  of  love 
the  Father  hath  bestowed  upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons 
of  God."  We  miserable  sinners  !  we  presumptuous  rebels  !  we  pro- 
fligate prodigals  !  we,  the  avowed  enemies  of  God  and  godliness,  are, 
by  this  inestimable  grace,  denominated  "the  sons  of  God."  Let  the 
sons  of  earth  boast  in  tlieir  line  of  famous  ancestors ;  in  their  near 
alliance  to  the  great  and  renowned ;  yet  the  pedigree  of  believers 
in  Jesus  is  unspeakably  more  illustrious.  Sgeing  they  are  born  not 
of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flesh,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of 
God.  Believers  are  privileged  with  peculiar  titles  and  distinguishing 
names  or  characters  throughout  the  volume  of  inspiration;  concerning 
which,  we  cannot  now  treat  particularly,  but  would  rather  refer  you 
to  that  gracious  declaration  of  him  that  is  holy,  of  him  that  is  true, 
in  B-ev.  iii.  12,  "  Him  that  overcometh  will  I  make  a  pillar  in  the 
temple  of  my  God,  and  he  shall  go  no  more  out :  and  I  will  write 
upon  him  the  name  of  my  God,  and  the  name  of  the  city  of  my  God, 
which  is  New  Jerusalem,  which  cometh  down  out  of  heaven  from  my 
God :  and  I  will  write  upon  him  my  new  name." 

The  privileges  which  believers  enjoy  in  the  militant  state  of  the 
church  are  many.  If  'depressed  with  trials  and  infirmities,  they 
have  a  compassionate  and  almighty  Parent  to  pity  and  succor  them. 
If,  through  the  remaining  power  of  sin  they  wantonly  transgress,  he 
can  and  will  chastise  them:  "For  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  chasten- 
eth,  and  scourgeth  every  son  whom  he  receiveth,"  Heb.  xii.  6. 
Wherefore,  "  0  Lord,  correct  me,  but  with  judgment ;  not  in  thine 
anger,  lest  thou  bring  me  to  nothing,"  Jer.  x.  24.  Should  the  triple 
host  of  darkness,  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil,  violently  attack 
the  souls  of  believers,  almighty  power  is  engaged  for  their  protection. 
Whilst,  therefore,  the  ears  of  our  omnipotent  and  gracious  Parent 
are  indulgent  to  our  petitions,  and  whilst  "  the  Spirit  itself  maketh 
intercession  for  us  with  groanings  which  cannot  be  uttered,"  we  may 
rest  assured,  that  all  things  will  co-operate  for  the  security  of  our 
temporal,  spiritual,  and  eternal  interests. 

"The  precious  sons  of  Zion  comparable  to  fine  gold,"  in  the  pre- 
sent state,  are  generally  "  esteemed  as  earthen  pitchers,  which  men 
dash  in  pieces  without  any  regret."  The  world  knoweth  us  not. 
Though  persecuted  with  a  flood  of  reproaches  and  contumely  from 
the  mouth  of  the  serpent,  the  righteous  is  still  more  excellent  than 
his  neighbor.  God  delights  to  honor  him.  He  is,  even  in  this 
world,  indulged  with  the  best  company ;  regaled  with  the  most  deli- 
cious entertainments  ;  invested  with  the  highest  honors,  and  adorned 
with  a  robe  of  righteousness,  beautiful  beyond  description.  They  are 
honored  with  His  gracious  visits,  "  of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven 
and  earth  is  named."  The  dear  Redeemer  is  ever  with  his  church. 
The  holy  angels  minister  to  the  saints  ;  and  their  mutual  society  and 
conversation  is  heavenly  and  spiritual.  They  unitedly  feast  upon 
the  emblems  of  Jesus'  body  and  blood  at  the  table  of  the  Lord,  where 
God  manifests  his  love  to  their  souls.     All  the  special  ordinances  of 


224 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


the  house,  all  the  privileges  of  the  church,  which  Christ  has  pur- 
chased with  his  blood,  are  appropriated  to  the  use  of  believers.  The 
Christian's  inventory  is  most  glorious;  and  comprehensive  of  all  sub- 
stantial blessings.  "For  all  things  are  yours;  whether  Paul,  or 
Apollos,  or  Cephas,  or  the  world,  or  life,  or  death,  or  things  present, 
or  things  to  come  ;  all  are  yours  ;  and  ye  are  Christ's ;  and  Christ  is 
God's,"  1  Cor.  iii.  21.  Thus,  believers  are  "heirs  of  God  and  joint 
heirs  with  Christ."  A  few  more  revolving  seasons  will  translate  you, 
the  suffering  heirs  of  glory,  "  to  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  unde- 
filed,  and  that  fadeth  not  away,  reserved  in  heaven  for  you." 

The  relative  duties  incumbent  upon  us  as  members  of  this  family, 
towards  God  and  each  other,  are  many,  and  cannot  now  be  particu- 
larized. In  general,  let  us  regard  the  apostolic  exhortation,  Eph.  v.  1, 
"Be  ye,  therefore,  followers  of  God,  as  dear  cliildren ;  and  walk 
in  love,  as  Christ  also  hath  loved  us."  Let  us  constantly  approach 
the  throne  of  grace  with  humble  confidence,  and  implore  divine  as- 
sistance, that  we  may  be  able  to  support  the  profession  we  have 
made,  with  that  dignity  of  conduct,  and  holiness  of  conversation, 
which  becomes  those  who  are  called  to  glory  and  virtue. 

Meditate  often,  brethren,  upon  that  state  of  permanent  bliss  which 
you  shall  possess  in  the  kingdom  of  your  heavenly  Father.  Happiness 
which  cannot  be  perceived  by  sense  nor  described  by  language.  See 
1  Cor.  ii.  9.  Let  us  realize,  therefore,  the  obligations  conferred  upon 
us  in  this  ineffable  blessing  of  adoption ;  and  acknowledge,  for  ever 
acknowledge,  with  unfeigned  gratitude,  the  riches  of  his  goodness. 

0  goodness  infinite  !  goodness  immense  ! 

And  love  that  passeth  knowledge !  Words  are  vain ; 

Language  is  lost  in  wonders  so  divine ; 

Come,  then,  expressive  silence,  muse  his  praise." 


Signed,  by  order  of  the  Association 


Samuel  Jones,  Moderator. 
Thomas  Ustick,  Clerk. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS   AT  THE    ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 

1 

>  ^ 

J3 
1 

i 

P4 

£ 

a 

Pennepek, 

Samuel  Jones, 
John  Stancliff, 
George  Guthrie, 
John  Wright, 
George  Edwards, 
Isaac  Hough, 
John  Holmes, 

0 

1 

1 

1 

0 

2 

68 

Middletown, 

■  Samuel  Morgan,* 
John  Cook, 

0 

22 

2 

4 

0 

4 

107 

Piscataqua, 

Reune  Runtan, 
Ephraim  Pyatt, 

0 

78 

3 

0 

0 

0 

121 

MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


225 


"11  -s 

II   1 

■a        tt 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

Restoi 
Baptiz 

1        S            .D 

i   "     § 

w    ft      g 

Cohansie, 

("Robert  Kelsay,* 
■<  Providence  Ludlam, 
[Nathan  Shepherd, 

0      0 

2    8 

3    6    100 

Welsh  Tract, 
Great  Valley, 

John  Boggs, 
f 

0    12 
0     0 

0  12 

1  1 

0    3      57 
0    0      30 

<  Daniel  Cornog, 
[Abuer  Davis, 

Cape  May, 

Artis  Seagraves, 

0      0 

2    0 

0    2      72 

Hopewell, 

(  Oliver  Hart, 
I  Nathaniel  Stout, 
[  William  Park, 

0      3 

0    1 

0    1    191 

Brandywine, 

^  Abel  Griffiths, 
1  John  Kimbler, 

0      1 

0    0 

0    0      17 

Montgomery, 

David  Loofborrow, 

0      0 

1    0 

0    1      37 

Tulpehokin,t 

Kingwood, 

Nicholas  Cox, 

2    10 

2    1 

0    0      96 

Southampton,                 i 

'  David  Jones, 
Arthur  Watts, 
Elias  Yerkes, 

0      0 

0    1 

0    1      48 

Philadelphia, 

'  Thomas  Ustick, 
William  Rogers, 
Samuel  Davis,  sr., 
Joseph  AVatkins, 
Richard  Reily, 
Samuel  Davis,  jr., 
Elisha  Gordon, 

0      6 

1    2 

6    4    105 

Haight's  Town, 

'  Peter  Wilson, 
John  Tyndall, 
William  Cubberly, 

0    66 

1    5 

2    0    131 

Scotch  Plains, 

William  Vanhorn, 

0    47 

2    2 

0    5    138 

Horse  Neck.f 

Oyster  Bay,t 
Morristown,                     < 

L    27 

0    2 

3    1      77 

Ebenezer  Biachly, 

Knowlton,f 
Harford  (Maryland), 

/ 

3      0 

0    0 

3    0      35 

John  Davis, 

New  Britain,                  ] 

Joshua  Jones, 

Edward  Mathew,                  ( 

)      0 

0    0    ( 

)    0     37 

Salem,!                           ) 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn, 
Samuel  Vance,                      ( 

)      7 

3    1    ( 

)    0      54' 

Newtown,! 

James  Finn,*                        ( 

)      0 

0    0    ( 

)    0     74 

Pawling's  Precincts, 
Dividing  Creek, 

Samuel  Waldo,* 

John  Waldo,                         ( 

)      0 

1    0    C 

)    0      54 

Jonadab  Shepherd,               C 

0 

0    2    C 

1      44 

New  York, 
New  Mills, 

John  Gano, 

Thomas  Slow,                        fl 

41 

10 

0    2    C 
0    2    0 

1    170 
3      81 

Beriah  Taylor,                      0 

226 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


Konoloway,t 
Upper  Freehold, 

Mount  Bethel, 

Goshen,t 
Lyon's  Farms, 
Philip's  Patent,! 

Pittsgrove, 

Manahawkin,t 

Vincent,! 
Tuckahoe, 
Cortland's  Manor,  f 
Stamford,! 
King  Street,! 
Cow  Marsh, 
London  Tract, 

Hill  town, 

Lower  Smithfield,! 
Mispilion,  (Del.) 
Baltimore,l[ 
Duck  Creek,1[ 

Wilmington,  T[ 
Canoe  Brook,T[ 
Jacobs  Town,T[ 


Joseph  Powell, 

John  Blackwell, 
Edward  Taylor, 

Abner  Sutton, 
Samuel  Vail, 


f  William  Worth, 
I  David  Elwell, 


Isaac  Bunnell, 

Ebenezer  Ferris,* 
John  Dodge,* 


Thomas  Fleeson, 

f  John  Thomas, 
I  Elijah  Britton, 

David  Jatne,* 


Lewis  Richards, 
Eliphaz  Dazey, 

iJohn  Stow, 
Thomas  Ainger, 


Obed  Denham, 


{ 

i  Peter  Sexton, 
William  Snowdon, 


0 
0 

0 
446 


2 
0 
1 
0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

102 


60 
106 

13 

89 

63 

77 
17 
28 
28 

99 
38 
16 
25 
51 

34 

28 

44 


2755 


Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Those  marked  thus  * 
were  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked  thus  !  we  received  no  intelli- 
gence.    A dash  denotes  no  settled  minister. 

*^*  The  churches  marked  thus  T[  being  sound  in  faith,  and  regular  in  prac- 
tice, were  freely  received  into  union  with  this  Association. 


MINUTES 

OF   THK 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  NEW  YORK,  OCTOBER  2d,  3d,  4tH,  AND  5tH, 

1787. 


October  2d. — At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  sermon  by  Brother  Wil- 
liam Vanhorn,  from  Isa.  liii.  ii.,  "  He  shall  see  of  the  travel  of  his 
soul,  and  shall  be  satisfied." 

2.  Brother  James  Manning  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother 
William  Vanhorn,  clerk. 

3.  Proceeded  to  read  the  letters  from  the  churches. 
Adjourned  till  half  past  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
Sermon  this  evening,  by  Brother  William  Fristoe,  from  2  Cor.  vi. 

10  :   "  As  poor,  yet  making  many  rich." 

October  3d. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

2.  Voted,  That  the  brethren  in  the  ministry,  from  distant  parts, 
be  requested  to  take  a  seat  amongst  us,  and  give  us  their  assistance. 

3.  Received  a  very  agreeable  letter  from  the  Virginia  Associa- 
tion, by  their  messenger,  our  esteemed  Brother  William  Fristoe,  in 
which  we  note  two  things  particularly  : 

First,  That  a  happy  union  has  taken  place  between  the  Regular 
and  Separate  Baptists  in  Virginia  ;*  of  which  we  also  had  informa- 
tion by  a  letter  from  our  Brother  John  Leland,  by  order  of  the 
committee  of  Regular  and  Separate  Baptists.  In  this  union  we 
sincerely  rejoice. 

Secondly,  They  warn  us  to  beware  of  a  certain  Duncan  M' Clean, 
late  one  of  their  ministers,  who  has  embraced  the  doctrine  of  univer- 
sal salvation. 

In  a  postscript.  Brother  Leland  informs  us,  that  about  twelve 
hundred  persons  have  been  baptized,  and  added  to  their  churches, 
within  about  two  years. 

4.  A  letter  from  the  Charleston  Association  was  received,  with 
their  minutes,  containing  very  agreeable  information  of  the  state  of 
religion  in  some  of  their  churches. 

5.  A  letter  from  the  Warren  Association  was  read,  and  their  mes- 
senger. Brother  Manning,  entered  into  a  particular  detail  of  the 
progress  of  the  gospel  in  various  parts  of  New  England.  Brother 
William  Wood,  of   Kentucky,  did  the  same   with   respect  to   the 

*  See  page  233,  for  "  Plan  of  Union." 

(227) 


228  MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA    ASSOCIATION. 

interest  of  religion  in  that  place  :  and  some  of  the  brethren  present 
gave  us  the  like  intelligence  from  Redstone  and  Georgia.  By  all 
which,  we  were  made  to  rejoice  in  the  prosperity  of  Zion  through- 
out this  continent :  and  encouraged  to  believe  that  the  purity  of  the 
doctrines  and  ordinances  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  are  prevailing 
more  and  more. 

6.  A  church  on  Staten  Island,  constituted  30th  of  December, 
1785,  was  received. 

7.  A  church  at  Pittstown,  county  of  Luzerne,  in  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania,  constituted  7th  of  August,  1786,  was  received. 

8.  Query,  from  the  church  at  Lower  Dublin :  Whether  a  person 
declining  communion  with  the  church,  be  it  for  what  cause  it  may, 
ought  to  be  excluded,  while  his  moral  and  religious  character  in 
other  respects  is  unexceptionable  ? 

Voted  in  the  affirmative. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

1.  Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. — The  circular  letter  being  read, 
it  was  moved,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  revise  it.  Brethren 
Joshua  Jones,  David  Jones,  and  Elkana  Holmes,  are  hereby  ap- 
pointed ;  to  report  thereon  to-morrow. 

2.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  represented,  that  a  real  estate  in  New 
Castle  county,  in  the  State  of  Delaware,  had  been  demised  by 
Reese  Jones,  to  the  ministers  of  this  Association,  for  the  education 
of  young  men. 

Resolved,  That  this  Association  will  engage  in  the  recovery  of 
said  estate,  and  become  amenable  for  the  expenses  arising. 

Voted,  That  our  brethren,  Samuel  Jones,  Colonel  Samuel  Miles, 
Samuel  Davies,  sr.,  David  Jones,  and  William  Rogers,  or  any  three 
of  them,  be,  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  and  authorised,  by  every 
eligible  method,  to  recover  said  estate  for  the  intention  of  the  tes- 
tator ;  and  to  proceed  therein  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  John  Stanford,  from  Psalm  1.  2, 
"Out  of  Zion  the  perfection  of  beauty,  God  hath  shined." 

1.  October  4th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. — Agreeable  to 
appointment  yesterday,  Brother  Samuel  Jones  produced  a  letter, 
addressed  to  the  committee  of  the  District  Association,  in  Virginia, 
which,  being  read  and  amended,  was  approved. 

2.  Pursuant  to  a  request  yesterday,  Brethren  Oliver  Hart,  Wil- 
liam Vanhorn,  and  Stephen  Gano,  brought  in  a  draft  of  a  letter 
addressed  to  the  Associations  throughout  America,  which  being  read, 
was  approved. 

Ordered,  That  ten  copies  be  brought  in  this  afternoon. 

3.  Brother  S.  Jones,  and  Brother  John  Stanford,  are  requested 
to  form  proposals  for  printing  an  abridgment  of  Doctor  Gill's 
Exposition  of  the  Bible. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

1.  Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. — In  answer  to  the  query  from 
the  church  at  Goshen,  we  reply :  If  a  man  and  wife  should  separate, 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  229 

be  it  for  what  cause  it  may,  if  either  of  the  parties  be  innocent  in 
the  matter,  and  should  applj  for  baptism,  such  may  be  admitted  ; 
but  may  not  marry  to  another  without  a  legal  divorce. 

2.  The  first  church  in  New  York  queried:  Whether  a  person 
applying  to  one  of  our  churches  for  admission  as  a  member,  and 
satisfies  the  church  that  he  has  been  previously  baptized  by  immer- 
sion, on  a  profession  of  his  faith  in  Christ ;  but  at  the  same  time 
confesses,  the  person  who  administered  the  ordinance  was,  at  the 
time,  neither  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  nor  baptized 
himself  by  immersion,  but  only  chosen  and  called  by  a  religious 
society  to  officiate  as  their  teacher  or  minister,  should  be  received. 

3.  Resolved,  That  the  above  query  be  held  over  on  consideration 
till  next  Association,  and  that  our  brethren  Holmes,  Ferris,  S.  Jones, 
D.  Jones,  or  any  of  the  brethren,  who  choose  to  engage  in  it,  be 
requested  to  deliver  their  thoughts  in  writing,  upon  the  subject  at 
the  next  Association. 

4.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  informed  the  Association,  that  a  manu- 
script of  the  history  of  the  Baptists,  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey, 
was  lost  by  the  depredations  of  the  enemy  in  the  late  war,  and  that 
those  who  had  advanced  cash  for  putting  it  to  the  press,  might  call 
upon  Brother  Ustick,  of  Philadelphia,  who  will  refund  the  same. 

Adjourned  to  six  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Doctor  Manning,  from  John  xvii.  21. 
"  That  they  all  may  be  one,  as  thou,  Father,  art  in  me,  and  I  in 
thee,  that  they  also  may  be  one  in  us :  that  the  world  may  believe 
thou  hast  sent  me." 

October  5th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

1.  On  application  from  Shelburne,  in  Nova  Scotia,  after  conside- 
ration, it  was  agreed  that  their  request  ought  to  be  attended  to. 
Several  of  our  ministers  being  in  nomination.  Brother  William  Van 
Horn  finally  concluded  to  go  and  pay  them  a  visit,  on  condition  the 
church  at  the  Scotch  Plains  could  be  supplied  during  his  absence  ; 
which  was  agreed  to. 

2.  Agreed  to  the  report  brought  in  this  morning  by  the  com- 
mittee appointed  yesterday,  viz :  that  our  honored  brother.  Dr. 
Samuel  Jones,  prepare  for  the  press  an  abridgment  of  Dr.  Gill's 
Exposition  of  the  Bible,  desiring  our  brethren  in  the  ministry  to  give 
him  all  the  assistance  they  can  in  the  work.  That  subscription  papers, 
with  the  proposals  and  conditions  of  printing  said  work  be  prepared 
immediately,  to  forward  with  our  minutes,  and  that  it  be  recommended 
to  all  our  churches  to  promote  said  subscriptions. 

3.  The  committee  on  the  circular  letter  having  presented  the  same, 
with  some  alterations,  it  was  read  and  adopted. 

4.  Supplies  for  destitute  places. 

N.  B.  As  the  supply  for  Nova  Scotia  is,  on  further  consideration, 
postponed  till  next  summer,  on  account  of  the  short  time  before  winter 
will  set  in  at  that  place,  the  supplies  for  Scotch  Plains  this  fall  are 
also  postponed. 

5.  Brother  David  Jones  to  write  the  circular  letter  for  next  year. 


230  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

6.  ^lessengers  to  the  Associations  are  as  follows  :  To  New  Hamp- 
Bhire,  Brother  James  Manning  ;  to  AVarren  and  Stonington,  Brother 
William  Yanhorne ;  to  Woodstock,  Brother  Ebenezer  Ferris  ;  to 
Vermont,  Brother  Elkana  Holmes;  to  Shaftsbury,  Brother  Stephen 
Gano ;  to  Redstone,  Brother  David  Jones  ;  to  Virginia,  Brother 
David  Loof borrow;  to  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  Brother  Oliver 
Hart. 

7.  Agreed,  That  Brother  Rogers  be  requested  to  write  a  letter  to 
the  Kentucky  Association  at  his  leisure,  reserving  a  copy  to  be  pre- 
sented to  the  next  Association. 

8.  Voted,  unanimously.  That  the  Association  be  held  next  year 
at  Philadelphia,  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  1788.  Introductory 
sermon  to  be  preached  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  by  Brother  John 
Dodge,  and,  in  case  of  failure,  by  Brother  Elkana  Holmes. 

9.  Brother  Stanford  and  Brother  Samuel  Dodge  are  requested  to 
superintend  the  printing  of  the  minutes,  and  forwarding  them  to  the 
churches  and  Associations. 

CIRCULAR   LETTER. 

Br  REV.   p.  p.  VANHORX. 

The  messengers  of  the  several  Baptist  churches,  belonging  to  the 
Philadelphia  Association,  met  in  the  city  of  New  York,  October  2d, 
8d,  4th,  and  5th,  1787. 

To  the  churches  to  which  they  are  respectively  related,  greeting. 

Dear  brethren, — We  beg  leave  to  introduce  our  circular  letter  by 
informing  you,  that  our  souls  have  been  refreshed  at  this  meeting, 
by  the  glorious  tidings  brought  from  different  parts,  of  the  advance- 
ment of  our  Redeemer's  cause.  We  congratulate  you  on  this  joyful 
event,  portentous,  we  hope,  of  the  speedy  accomplishment  of  the  pro- 
mises made  by  the  Father  to  Christ,  the  King  of  Zion.  As  also,  on 
the  kind  interposition  of  Divine  ProAidence,  visible  in  that  happy  union 
which  obtained  among  the  members  of  the  late  federal  convention,  to 
agree  upon  and  report  to  the  States  in  this  Union,  a  form  of  a  Federal 
Government ;  which  promises.  On  its  adoption,  to  rescue  our  dear 
country  from  that  national  dishonor,  injustice,  anarchy,  confusion  and 
bloodshed,  which  have  already  resulted  from  the  weakness  and  inef- 
ficiency of  the  present  form  ;  and  which  we  have  the  greatest  reason 
to  fear  is  but  the  beginning  of  sorrows,  unless  the  people  lay  hold  on 
this  favorable  opportunity  offered  to  establish  an  efficient  govern- 
ment, which,  we  hope,  may,  under  God,  secure  our  invaluable  rights, 
both  civil  and  religious ;  which  it  will  be  in  the  power  of  the  great 
body  of  the  people,  if  hereafter  found  necessary,  to  control  and 
amend. 

As  we  wish  you  to  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  we  shall  address  you  on  the  important 
subject  of  Sanctification.  We  are  exhorted  to  contend  earnestly  for 
the  faith,  once  delivered  to  the  saints ;  and  as  there  are  some  who 
deny  the  work  of  sanctification,  and  too  many  who  are  little  acquainted 
with  it,  we  shall  therefore  consider  the  subject  in  the  following 
order — 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION".  231 

'    I.  We  shall  explain  the  term  sanctification. 

II.  Give  some  reasons  why  sanctification  is  necessary. 

III.  The  happy  effects  in  the  subjects  of  it. 

I.  In  a  performance  of  this  nature,  brevity  must  be  expected  ;  yet 
enough  may  be  said  to  display  our  sentiments  on  the  subject.  By 
searching  the  Scriptures,  you  will  find  the  term  hath  various  sig- 
nifications. 

1.  It  is  used  to  signify  the  setting  apart  a  person  or  thing  to  the  pe- 
culiar service  of  God.  This  is  the  general  use  of  the  word  in  the  Old 
Testament,  and  in  this  sense  God  is  said  to  sanctify  the  Sabbath,  Gen. 
ii.  3  ;  and  to  the  same  purpose  it  is  applied  to  the  first  born,  Exod. 
xiii.  2.  Thus  the  temple,  the  priests,  the  altar  and  saci'ifices,  were 
sanctified  under  the  law. 

2.  It  is  used  for  that  holiness  and  purity  of  nature,  which  gives  us 
a  meetness  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light ;  and,  in  some 
respects,  may  be  distinguished  from  regeneration,  though  it  is  radi- 
cally connected  with  it.  The  Apostle,  speaking  of  our  salvation, 
said,  "  It  was  not  by  works  of  righteousness  which  we  have  done, 
but  according  to  his  mercy,  he  saved  us  by  the  washing  of  regenera- 
tion and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost,"  Tit.  iii.  5. 

By  washing  of  regeneration,  we  understand  that  great  change, 
which  is  instantaneously  made  in  us  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
when  we  are  first  made  alive  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  and  from  that  period 
we  are  new  creatures,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works.  The 
word  is  used  in  the  same  sense  in  1  Cor.  vi.  11,  where  the  Apostle 
says,  "  But  ye  are  washed,  but  ye  are  sanctified."  In  regeneration, 
the  divine  nature  is  begun  in  us  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  without  this  work,  there  can  be  no  growth  in  grace.  From  these 
passages  of  Scripture,  we  see  that  the  Holy  Ghost  makes  a  distinction 
between  regeneration  and  sanctification ;  in  regeneration  we  receive 
a  new  nature  or  principle,  and  sanctification  is  the  growing  of  that 
new  nature  to  the  stature  of  a  man  in  Christ  Jesus.  The  washing  of 
regeneration  is  never  repeated,  but  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
is  carried  on  through  the  whole  life  of  a  Christian,  till  he  ascends 
to  be  with  Jesus,  Phil.  i.  6.  It  is  the  Holy  Ghost  which  begins  it, 
and  it  is  his  work  to  finish  it ;  for  in  the  great  plan  of  salvation,  the 
Holy  Spirit  is  as  firmly  engaged  to  begin  and  finish  this  work,  as 
the  Son  of  God  was  to  finish  the  work  of  redemption  assigned  him 
to  do.  The  council  of  God  has  ordained  this  way  to  make  us  meet 
for  that  state  of  glory,  to  which  we  have  a  right  by  the  adorable 
Redeemer's  righteousness ;  and  therefore  we  are  said  to  be  "  chosen 
unto  salvation,  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,"  2  Thess.  ii.  13. 

II.  We  now  proceed  to  demonstrate  the  necessity  of  sanctification. 

1.  We  premise,  that  the  necessity  of  sanctification  and  regeneration 
arise  from  the  same  cause,  the  fall  of  man.  This  has  incapacitated 
us  for  communion  with  God ;  therefore,  notwithstanding  all  our 
blessed  Redeemer  has  done,  we  are  represented  to  be  in  a  lost  state 
till  this  good  work  is  begun.  As  sanctification  is  a  progressive  work, 
the  necessity  of  it  arises  from  the  consideration  that  we  are  at  first 


232  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

only  babes  in  Christ,  and  not  complete  in  holiness ;  for  the  best  men  have 
a  body  of  sin  and  death.  Every  renewed  soul  must  feel  this  to  be  his 
case.  The  great  Apostle  groaned  under  it,  and  the  beloved  disciple 
said,  "  If  we  say  Ave  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  ourselves,"  1  John  i.  8. 
The  Holy  Ghost  is  promised  to  dwell  with  us  and  remain  in  us  as  his 
temple,  and  ye  know  the  temple  of  the  Lord  must  be  holy.  "  With- 
out holiness,  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord." 

2.  Sanctification  is  necessary,  because  without  it  we  cannot  honor 
and  glorify  God.  For  this  our  blessed  Lord  prayed,  and  for  this 
we  should  daily  apply  to  the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  under- 
stand the  mysteries  of  his  kingdom,  and  the  glory  of  his  grace  ;  that 
we  copy  after  his  great  example,  and  honor  him  in  every,  dispensa- 
tion of  his  providence. 

3,  It  was  the  great  design  of  Christ's  coming  into  the  world ; 
therefore  his  name  is  called  Jesus,  because  he  saves  his  people  from 
the  demerit  and  the  pollution  of  sin ;  purifying  a  peculiar  people 
unto  himself,  zealous  of  good  works.  This  great  end  of  the  Redeem- 
er's coming  shall  be  fully  accomplished  in  all  God's  elect  by  the 
effectual  operations  of  his  Holy  Spirit ;  whose  work  it  is  to  glorify 
the  Son  of  God,  in  applying  his  benefits  to  the  heirs  of  glory,  and 
give  them  a  meetness  to  that  inheritance  that  fadeth  not  away. 

III.  We  shall  now  attempt  to  consider  the  eifects  of  sanctification. 

1.  The  eifects  of  it  appear  immediately  after  regeneration,,  in  a 
sincere  and  hearty  detestation  of  sin.  The  prophet  having  spoken 
of  a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit,  adds,  "  Then  shall  ye  remember 
your  own  evil  ways  and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  shall 
loathe  yourselves  in  your  own  sight,"  Ezek.  xxxvi.  31.  No  man  can 
loathe  himself  till  he  is  born  of  God,  because  the  new  man  only  sees 
the  deformity  of  sin.  After  he  is  turned  he  truly  repents  after  a  godly 
sort,  and  is  humbled  in  dust  and  ashes  before  God  ;  firmly  believing 
that  nothing  can  deliver  him  from  guilt,  but  the  precious  blood  of 
the  dear  Redeemer. 

2.  Another  efi'ect  is,  we  see  more  clearly  our  divorcement  from  the 
law,  by  the  satisfaction  of  Christ,  as  the  way  by  which  life  is  to  be 
obtained  by  the  believing  soul,  who,  at  the  same  time,  honors  the  law, 
by  acknowledging  that  it  is  good,  just,  and  holy.  It  is  the  fatal  mis- 
take of  all  in  a  state  of  nature,  to  expect  acceptance  with  God,  by  the 
deeds  of  the  law  ;  but  the  renewed  man  knows  that  Christ  is  the  end 
of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one  that  believeth.  The  great 
Apostle  says,  "  I,  through  the  law,  am  dead  to  the  law,  that  I  might 
live  unto  God."  What  a  display  of  infinite  wisdom  in  the  plan  of 
salvation  !  Here  we  see  the  sinner  saved  by  grace,  flowing  consists 
ent  with  all  the  perfections  of  God,  and,  at  the  same  time,  maintain- 
ing the  honor  of  the  divine  law.  Vain  are  the  expectations  of  all  who 
separate  what  God  has  joined  together.  Preserve  divine  truth  in  its 
own  order,  and  it  is  glorious  and  harmonious.  In  the  great  plan  of 
salvation,  God  joined  together  justification  by  the  righteousness  of 
Christ,  imputed  unto  us  by  an  act  of  grace,  by  which  we  have  a  right 
to  eternal  life,  and  sanctification,  which  gives  us  a  meetness  for  the 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  233 

inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light.  One  great  error  in  religion  is, 
separating  what  God  has  joined  together,  and  joining  together  what 
God  has  separated.  Beware  of  all  who  applaud  the  imputed  righte- 
ousness of  Christ,  and,  at  the  same  time,  either  deny  the  work  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  in  sanctification,  or  speak  lightly  or  reproachfully  of  it. 
He,  therefore,  who  would  either  verbally  or  doctrinally  exclude  the 
imputed  righteousness  of  Christ,  and,  at  the  same  time,  make  great 
professions  of  holiness  and  zeal  for  religion,  ought  to  be  considered 
as  an  inveterate  enemy  to  the  blessed  Redeemer  and  his  truth. 

Now,  dear  brethren,  we  take  our  leave  of  you,  by  entreating  you 
to  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  you  are  called.  Watch 
over  one  another  in  love  ;  in  humility,  seek  spiritual  growth  to  glorify 
your  heavenly  Father,  and  appear  as  lights  in  the  Avorld.  May  the 
God  of  all  grace  sanctify  you  wholly,  and  preserve  you  blameless 
unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 

James  Manning,  Moderator. 

William  Vanhorn,  Clerk. 


THE  PLAN  OF  UNION. 

After  a  long  debate  about  the  utility  of  adopting  a  Confession  of 
faith,  agreed  to  receive  the  Regular  Baptists.  But  to  prevent  its 
usui'ping  a  tyrannical  power  over  the  consciences  of  any,  we  do  not 
mean  that  every  person  is  to  be  bound  to  the  strict  observance  of 
every  thing  therein  contained  :  yet  that  it  holds  forth  the  essential 
truths  of  the  gospel,  and  that  the  doctrine  of  salvation  by  Christ, 
and  free  unmerited  grace  alone,  ought  to  be  believed  by  every  Chris- 
tian, and  maintained  by  every  minister  of  the  gospel.  And  that  the 
terms.  Regular  and  Separate  shall  be  buried  in  oblivion ;  and  that 
from  henceforth,  we  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  United  Bap- 
tist Church  of  Christ  in  Virginia. 

Copy  Test. 

N.  B.  This  union  respects  all  the  Baptists  below  the  Alleghany, 
and  does  not  affect  those  on  the  Western  waters. 


30 


234 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS   AT   THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
THE  STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  FOR  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

-a 

ll 

1 

i 

"S 

i 

a 

^ 

(S^ 

5 

M 
E4 

p 

1 

Lower  Dublin,  Pen- 
nepek. 

Samuel  Jones, 
Thoiiias  Webster, 

John  Holmes, 

2 

1 

0 

0 

0 

69 

'  Samuel  Morgan, 

Middletown,                    ■< 

John  Cook, 

John  Stillwell, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

4 

104 

Reune  Runtan, 

Piscataqua, 

Jeremiah  Manning, 
Abraham  Monday, 
Hezekiah  Smith,  jr. 

George  Drake, 

22 

0 

0 

1 

2 

140 

Cohansle, 

Robert  Kelsat,* 

0 

0 

1 

4 

0 

95 

Welsh  Tract, 

John  Boggs,* 

15 

1 

0 

3 

0 

70 

Great  Valley, 

27 

1 

2 

2 

0 

54 

Cape  May,t 

Artist  Seagraves,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

72 

Hopewell, 

Oliver  Hart, 
David  Snowden, 

0 

3 

2 

1 

2 

185 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffith,* 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

15 

Tolpehokin,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Montgomery, 

0 

0 

2 

0 

5 

30 

Kingwood, 

Nicholas  Cox, 
John  Robinson, 

18 

2 

2 

0 

1 

112 

Southampton, 

David  Jones, 
William  Watts, 

3 

1 

0 

0 

1 

53 

Philadelphia, 

Thomas  Ustick,* 
William  Rogers, 
Peter  Wilson, 

7 

3 

2 

0 

2 

111 

Haightstown,                   ■( 

John  Morford, 
Abraham  Freelmg, 

William  Vanhorn, 

48 

1 

4 

0 

1 

175 

Scotch  Plains, 

Joseph  Manning, 
Jacob  Fitz  Randolph, 
Joseph  Fitz  Randolph, 

19 

1 

5 

1 

0 

152 

Horse  Neck, 
Oyster  Bay, 

0 
0 

0 

2 

0 

1 

14 

Benjamin  Coles, 
Albert  Albertson, 

0 

0 

0 

J- 

0 

9 

1.  Morristown,                • 

David  Loofborrow, 
John  Brookfield, 

8 

2 

1 

0 

1 

85 

Knowlton, 

David  Finn, 

30 

0 

23 

1 

1 

42 

Hartford.t 

John  Davies,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

New  Britain, 

Joshua  Jones, 
Benjamin  Mathews, 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

20 

Salem, 

Peter  P.  Vanhorn,* 

0 

1 

1 

0 

1 

36 

Newtown, 

Silas  Southward,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

74 

Pawling's  Precincts, 

Samuel  Waldo,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

G 

Dividing  Creek, 

John  Garrison,* 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

43 

MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


235 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS    AND    MESSENGERS. 

1 

i 

1 
a 

n 

«^' 

S 

s 

C 

s 

'  John  Gano, 

Stephen  Gang, 

1.  New  York, 

Samuel  Dodge, 
Thomas  Longly, 

Thomas  Slow, 

29 

2 

4 

5 

1 

192 

New  Mills, 

Konoloway,! 

Coram,! 

0 

0 

1 

1 

4 

84 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Upper  Freehold, 

John  Blackwell,* 

2 

1 

1 

1 

0 

61 

Mount  Bethel,                 : 

Abner  Sutton, 
John  Manning, 

13 

0 

3 

0 

3 

113 

Goshen,  or  "Warwick, 

Thomas  Jones, 
Jonathan  Sylsby, 

4 

0 

0 

0 

f' 

32 

Lyon's  Farms, 

Ichabod  Grummon, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

13 

Philip's  Patent, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Pittsgrove, 

William  Worth,* 

David  Elwell, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

2 

8G 

Manahawkin,f 
Vincent,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Tuckahoe,! 

Isaac  Bunnel,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

63 

Cortland's  Manor, 

2.  New  York,                  ■ 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

John  Dodge, 
Francis  Vandyke, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

10 

Stamford, 

Ebenezer  Ferris, 
Elijah  Hunter 

24 

6 

20 

2 

0 

64 

Cow  Marsh,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

London  Tract, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 

0 

1 

0 

0 

1 

28 

Hilltown, 

John  Thomas,* 
Enoch  Thomas, 

0 

2 

1 

0 

0 

100 

Lower  Smithfield, 

David  Jayne, 

3 

0 

0 

3 

1 

29 

Mispilion, ! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

16 

Baltimore, 

Lewis  Richards,* 

1 

2 

1 

0 

0 

28 

Duck  Creek, 

Eliphaz  Dazet,* 

5 

0 

0 

0 

1 

55 

Wilmington, 

Canoe  Brook,                   ] 

21 

7 

0 
1 

0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 

55 
35 

Isaac  Price, 

r 

BuRGiss  Allison,* 

Jacobstown,                     < 

James  Cox, 

i 

William  Snowden, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

43 

r 

Elkana  Holmes, 

Staten  Island,                 < 

Anthony  Fountain, 

( 

Nicholas  Cox, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Pittstown, 

James  Finn, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

32 

309 

32 

83 

27 

35 

2953 

KoTE. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.    Those  marked  thus  *  not  present.    The  churches 
marked  thus  f  sent  neither  letters  nor  messengers.    A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  7tH,    8tH,   AND   9tH, 

1788. 


October  7th,  three  o'clock,  P.  m. — Brother  Elkanah  Holmes 
preached,  by  appointment,  from  2  Cor.  iv.  5,  "  For  we  preach  not 
ourselves,  but  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord ;  and  ourselves  your  servants  for 
Jesus'  sake." 

2.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother 
Thomas  Ustick,  clerk.     Letters  from  thirty-four  churches  were  read. 

October  8th,  8|  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  according  to  adjournment. 

3.  Proceeded  to  read  the  letters  from  the  respective  corresponding 
Associations.  Doctor  Manning  presented  a  letter  from  the  Warren 
Association  as  their  messenger,  which,  with  their  minutes,  contained 
agreeable  intelligence.  Brother  Stephen  Gano,  as  messenger  from 
Shaftsbury  Association,  gave  in  their  letter  and  minutes,  which  con- 
tain comfortable  tidings.  The  Charleston  minutes,  and  a  letter  also 
from  that  Association,  came  to  hand,  by  which  it  appears  that  their 
circumstances  are  prosperous  and  their  numbers  increasing.  A  letter 
was  likewise  received  from  the  Ketockton  Association,  giving  ac- 
counts of  a  marvellous  revival ;  that  in  one  particular  church  three 
hundred  had  been  added.  They  further  add,  that  the  harmony  of 
their  assembly  was  such,  that  there  did  not  appear  to  be  among  the 
watchmen,  as  they  beautifully  express  it,  "one  discordant  note." 

4.  A  letter  and  minutes,  which  contain  the  sentiments  and  plan  of 
the  Stonington  Association,  were  received.  From  which  it  appears, 
that  they  have  adopted  the  same  printed  Confession  which  this  As- 
sociation has  heretofore  approved.  We  shall  therefore  cheerfully 
concur  with  them  in  maintaining  a  mutual  correspondence. 

5.  A  letter  from  the  Salisbury  Association  was  presented  by  our 
brethren,  Philip  Hughes  and  Jonathan  Gibbons ;  and,  as  their  senti- 
ments and  plan  are  conformable  to  ours,  their  messengers  were  una- 
nimously accepted.  Agreeable  accounts  were  likewise  received  from 
the  New  Hampshire  Association. 

6.  Letters  from  three  of  our  Associations  in  England,  both  for 
1786  and  1787,  forwarded  by  Brother  John  Rippon,  of  Southwark, 
London,  to  Brother  Ustick,  were  delivered  and  received  with  pleasure. 

(236) 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  237 

Agreed,  That  Brother  Ustick  remit  at  least  fifty  copies  of  our 
minutes  for  the  different  Associations  in  England. 

7.  By  a  letter  from  the  church  at  the  Great  Valley,  we  were  in 
formed  that  the  Divine  Providence  has  removed,  in  the  year  past, 
that  ancient  and  beloved  servant  of  Christ,  Thomas  Jones,  as  we 
trust,  to  the  church  triumphant.  The  translation  of  the  righteous  is 
their  gain,  but  our  loss.  Let  us,  therefore,  lay  it  to  heart,  and 
earnestly  pray  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  to  raise  up  faithful  laborers 
to  succeed  them,  whom  he  is  pleased  to  take  home  to  himself.  They 
subjoin,  that  there  was  a  mistake  in  the  last  year's  minutes,  and 
that  there  have  not  been,  for  a  number  of  years  past,  any  persona 
excluded  from  that  church. 

8.  Having  received  information  from  the  church  at  Pawling's 
Town,  that  it  is  more  convenient  for  them  to  meet  with  the  Shafts- 
bury  Association,  and  that  they  desire  our  concurrence  in  removing 
their  membei'ship ; 

We  agree.  That  hereafter  the  church  at  Pawling's  Town,  be  con- 
sidered as  belonging  to  the  Shaftsbury  Association. 
Adjourned  till  half  past  two,  P.  M. 

9.  Met  according  to  adjournment. — Whereas,  the  church  at  Jacob's 
Town,  after  acknowledging  the  unspeakable  mercies  of  God  to 
our  nation  and  churches,  have  taken  notice  of  the  army  of  God — • 
the  Hessian  Fly — as  a  judgment ;  and  propose  to  the  Association, 
the  propriety  of  appointing  days  of  fasting  and  prayer  on  this 
account. 

Concluded,  after  considering  the  matter,  that  the  Association, 
upon  this  occasion,  rather  refer  the  propriety  of  conforming  to  this 
motion,  to  the  decision  of  each  particular  church,  Avho  can  determine 
what  days  may  best  suit  their  convenience. 

10.  Our  brethren,  Abel  Griffith,  Thomas  Pleeson,  Nicholas  Cox, 
Joshua  Jones,  and  David  Jones,  were  desired  to  examine  the  circular 
letter,  and  to  propose  the  amendments,  which  they  may  think  neces- 
sary, to-morrow  morning. 

11.  The  church  at  Cape  May  query :  "  Whether  a  member,  who 
professes  that  Christ  died  for  all  mankind,  and  that  every  individual 
of  the  human  race  will  finally  be  saved,  ought  to  be  excommunicated  ?" 

Agreed,  That  every  such  person,  upon  conviction,  and  after  proper 
steps  have  been  taken,  ought  to  be  excluded. 

12.  Agreed,  That  Brother  William  Vanhorn  prepare  a  letter  for 
the  Warren  Association ;  Brother  Philip  Hughes,  for  Shaftsbury ; 
Brother  Stephen  Gano,  for  Charleston;  Brother  Montanye,  for  Ke- 
tockton;  Brother  Richards,  for  Stonington;  Brother  James  Jones, 
for  Salisbury ;  and  Brother  Joseph  Stevens,  for  New  Hampshire. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  half  after  eight,  A.  M. 

Our  aged  and  venerable  Brother  Kelsay  preached  in  the  evening, 
from  Acts  viii.  35.  His  address  to  the  young  ministers  gave  them 
great  pleasure.  He  advised  them.  First.  To  study,  with  earnest 
prayer,  as  if  all  depended  on  their  own  endeavors ;  but,  in  preaching, 
to  depend  upon  Divine  assistance,  as  though  they  had  not  studied  at 


238^  MINUTES   OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

all.  Second.  To  be  concise  in  preaching,  and  to  conclude  when  done. 
Third.  To  pray  for  a  blessing  on  their  labors  immediately  after 
preaching :  and  Fourth.  To  embrace  every  seasonable  opportunity 
of  conversing  with  precious  souls,  and  not  to  forget  such  as  were  in 
menial  circumstances. 

13.  Met  according  to  adjournment. — Appointed  our  Brethren 
Nicholas  Cox,  William  Vanhorn,  and  Thomas  Montanye,  messengers 
to  Shaftsbury  Association;  Brother  Burgis  Alison,  to  Warren; 
Brother  Dazey,  to  Ketockton ;  and  Brethren  Samuel  Jones,  John 
Boggs,  Thomas  Fleeson,  and  Eliphaz  Dazey,  to  that  at  Salisbury. 

14.  As  the  church  at  Wilmington  are  in  debt,  and  fear  that  they 
shall  lose  their  meeting  house  unless  assisted :  and  as  the  church  at 
Staten  Island  is  desirous  of  building  a  house  for  the  worship  of  God, 
we  recommend  it  to  the  churches  to  make  separate  contributions,  at 
such  times  and  ways  as  is  most  agreeable  to  themselves,  and  forward 
the  same  to  the  aforesaid  churches. 

15.  In  answer  to  a  query  from  the  first  church  in  New  York,,  of 
last  year,  held  over  to  this  time,  respecting  the  validity  of  baptism, 
administered  by  a  person  who  had  never  been  baptized  himself,  nor 
yet  ordained ;  we  reply,  that  we  deem  such  baptism  null  and  void : 

First.  Because  a  person  that  has  not  been  baptized  must  be  dis- 
qualified to  administer  baptism  to  others,  and  especially  if  he  be  also 
unordained. 

Second.  Because  to  admit  such  baptism  as  valid,  would  make  void 
the  ordinances  of  Christ,  throw  contempt  on  his  authority,  and  tend 
to  confusion  :  for  if  baptism  be  not  necessary  for  an  administrator 
of  it,  neither  can  it  be  for  church  communion,  which  is  an  inferior 
act :  and  if  such  baptism  be  valid,  then  ordination  is  unnecessary,  con- 
trary to  Acts  xiv.  23 ;  1  Tim.  iv.  14 ;  Tit.  i.  5,  and  our  Confession 
of  faith.  Chap.  XXVII. 

Third.  Of  this  opinion  we  find  were  our  Associations  in  times 
past ;  who  put  a  negative  on  such  baptisms  in  1729,  1732,  1744, 
1749,  and  1768. 

Fourth.  Because  such  administrator  has  no  commission  to  baptize, 
for  the  words  of  the  commission  were  addressed  to  the  apostles,  and 
their  successors  in  the  ministry,  to  the  end  of  the  world,  and  these 
are  such,  whom  the  church  of  Christ  appoint  to  the  whole  work  of 
the  ministry. 

16.  The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  and  cor- 
rect the  circular  letter  not  being  satisfactory,  a  new  committee  was 
nominated ;  viz.,  brethren  Manning,  Vanhorn,  Boggs  and  Hughes, 
who  were  desired  to  report  in  the  afternoon. 

17.  This  Association,  receiving  information  from  Dr.  Manning, 
that  Mr.  Dobson,  printer  in  this  city,  has  now  published  Mr.  Booth's 
Apology  for  the  Baptists,  and  likewise  proposes  to  publish  Booth's 
Paedobaptism  examined  and  refuted,  upon  the  principles  and  conces- 
sions of  Paedobaptist  writers,  do  recommend  both  these  pieces  as 
worthy  the  perusal  of  all  enquirers  after  truth,  as  affording  the  most 
convincing  and  demonstrable  evidence  in  favor  of  the  principles  and 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  239 

practice  of  our  churches.     As  such  we  recommend  them  to  all  our 
churches  and  sister  Associations. 
Adjourned  till  half  after  two,  P.  M. 

18.  Met  according  to  adjournment. — In  the  course  of  'the  day  the 
letters  for  the  respective  Associations  with  whom  we  correspond,  were 
produced  and  approved. 

19.  Our  Brother  Allison  is  appointed  to  prepare  the  circular  letter 
against  next  Association. 

20.  Brother  John  Dodge  is  requested  to  preach  the  introductory 
sermon  ;  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  Lewis  Richards. 

21.  Voted,  That  this  Association  consider  themselves  amenable 
for,  and  promise  to  defray  the  expenses  accruing  from  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  ministers  of  the  Association,  in  attempting  to  recover 
the  estate  demised  by  Reese  Jones  to  the  ministers  of  the  Associa- 
tion, for  the  education  of  young  men. 

22.  The  amendments  proposed  by  the  committee  appointed  this 
morning  to  revise  the  circular  letter,  were  accepted ;  and,  with  those 
amendments,  the  circular  letter  prepared  by  Brother  David  Jones,  was 
approved. 

23.  Supplies  for  Hilltown. 

24.  This  Association,  taking  into  consideration  the  ruinous  effects 
of  the  great  abuse  of  distilled  liquors  throughout  this  country,  take 
this  opportunity  of  expressing  our  hearty  concurrence  with  our 
brethren  of  several  other  religious  societies,  in  discountenancing  the 
use  of  them  in  future ;  and  earnestly  entreat  our  brethren  and  friends 
to  use  all  their  influence  to  that  end,  both  in  their  own  families  and 
neighborhood,  except  when  used  as  medicine. 

25.  Our  Brethren  Samuel  Jones,  David  Jones,  and  Burgiss  Allison, 
are  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  collection  of  Psalms  and 
Hymns  for  the  use  of  the  associated  churches ;  and  the  churches  of 
this  and  of  our  sister  Associations  are  requested  to  conclude  how  many 
of  said  collection  they  will  take,  sending  information  to  Brother 
Ustick  with  all  convenient  dispatch. 

26.  Voted,  That  our  next  Association  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  on 
the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  1789. 

27.  Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of 
these  minutes,  and  forward  them  to  the  churches  and  Associations. 

Brother  Stephen  Gano  preached  in  the  evening,  from  1  Tim.  iv.  8. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  REV.  DAVID  JONES. 

The  messengers  of  the  Baptist  churches,  belonging  to  the  Philadel- 
phia Association,  met  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  October  7th,  1788. 

To  the  churches  with  whom  they  are  connected,  greeting. 

Beloved  brethren, — The  great  design  of  our  annual  meeting  is  to 
promote  the  welfare  of  the  church  of  Christ,  by  giving  our  advice  in 
difficult  cases,  and  by  the  use  of  every  other  means,  to  preserve  the 
unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.  To  accomplish  this  end, 
it  has  been  thought  expedient  to  select  a  chapter  of  our  Confession  of 


240  MINUTES    OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

faith  annually,  to  be  the  foundation  of  our  circular  letter.  That 
which  comes  under  consideration  this  year,  is  the  doctrine  of  Saving 
Faith,  contained  in  the  fourteenth  chapter. 

By  such,  as  have  wished  to  suit  their  definitions  to  carnal  minds, 
the  subject  has  been  rendered  very  abstruse;  but  divine  truth  is  plain 
and  easy  to  them  who  are  taught  of  God,  and  have  learned  of  Christ 
to  be  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  believing  all  things  contained  in  the 
holy  scriptures. 

The  method  in  which  we  propose  to  treat  the  subject  shall  be, 

First.  To  explain  what  we  mean  by  saving  faith. 

Second."  To  give  some  distinguishing  properties,  or  marks,  of  this 
precious  grace. 

I.  It  has  been  the  custom  of  divines,  in  ages  past,  to  use  the  word 
saving,  when  treating  of  this  grace ;  hence  it  is  probable,  some  have 
been  led  to  suppose  that  this  grace  had  something  in  it  so  meritorious 
as  to  justify  the  subject  before  God,  at  least  in  a  conditional  sense; 
but  who  ever  reads  our  Confession  of  faith,  will  find  that  we  exclude 
any  such  meaning,  and  only  use  the  word  to  distinguish  true  faith 
from  that  kind,  which  is  found  in  unregenerate  men  and  devils. 
Saving  faith  may  be  thus  defined,  "  That  grace  whereby  the  elect  are 
enabled  to  believe  to  the  saving  of  their  souls,  which  is  the  work  of 
the  Spirit  of  Christ  in  their  hearts,  and  is  ordinarily  wrought  by  the 
ministry  of  the  word."  By  this  grace  the  person  is  enabled  to  believe 
all  divine  truths  revealed  in  the  holy  scriptures ;  and  in  particular  to 
apprehend  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  rely  alone  on  his  atoning 
blood  for  acceptance  in  the  sight  of  God.  The  apostle,  speaking 
of  salvation,  said,  "By  grace  ye  are  saved  through  faith;  and 
that  not  of  yourselves,  it  is  the  gift  of  God,"  Eph.  ii.  8.  The  same 
apostle  informs  us  that  the  Ephesians  were  dead  in  trespasses  and 
sins,  and  were  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath  even  as  others ;  but 
when  the  gospel  of  Christ  was  preached,  the  Holy  Ghost  working 
with  the  word,  opened  their  hearts  to  receive  it,  and  by  his  powerful 
operations  implanted  this  grace,  by  which  they  were  enabled  to  be- 
lieve the  record  that  God  has  given  of  his  Son.  The  precious  grace 
of  faith  is  a  free  and  sovereign  gift  of  God,  conveyed  through  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  the  instrumentality  of  the  word ;  and 
is  co-existent  with  regeneration,  if  not  an  essential  part  of  it ;  and 
as  it  is  not  of  ourselves,  we  see  that  all  boasting  is  excluded,  so  that 
we  may  all  say,  "by  the  grace  of  God,  we  are  what  we  are."  When 
the  apostle  was  enumerating  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  he  mentions 
faith  as  one,  Gal.  v.  22.  This  is  a  truth  which  every  one,  who  is  born  of 
God,  knows,  and  in  substance  will  acknowledge.  We  know  that  this 
doctrine  is  too  humiliating  to  carnal  hearts,  but  it  is  as  true  as  if  they 
believed  it ;  and  if  it  was  not  so,  there  would  be  no  true  Christians 
on  earth.  Blessed  be  God,  he  has  not  left  himself  without  many 
witnesses  in  our  days,  who  are  willing  to  confess  that  they  were  as 
unable  to  believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus,  as  to  keep  the  law  of  Moses,  till 
God  gave  them  a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit,  through  the  powerful 
operations  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     We  will  freely  acknowledge,  there- 


MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA    ASSOCIATION.  241 

fore,  that  our  faith  is  through  the  operation  of  God,  to  the  praise 
and  glory  of  his  free  grace ;  and  in  the  Psalmist's  words,  conclude, 
"Not  unto  us,  0  Lord!  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name  give  glprj, 
for  thy  mercy  and  for  thy  truth's  sake." 

II.  We  now  give  some  distinguishing  properties,  or  marks,  of  this 
precious  grace. 

1.  This  faith  receives  tlie  whole  mind  of  God,  and  has  a  due  re- 
spect to  every  part  of  his  counsel,  when  made  known  to  the  subject. 
The  language  of  this  grace  is.  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ? 
It  never  selects  some  and  rejects  other  parts  of  God's  will.  This 
grace  never  wishes  any  doctrines  expressly  contained  in  the  Bible,  to 
have  been  left  out.  No ;  as  far  as  it  knows  the  mind  of  God,  so  far 
it  obeys.  It  is  a  truth  to  be  lamented,  that  education  directs  to& 
much  the  practice  of  many  in  the  world ;  but  where  the  voice  of  this 
grace  is  attended  to,  the  person  receives  the  truth  in  the  love  of  it. 
The  apostle  had  no  exception  to  any  part  of  the  revealed  will  of  God. 
When  he  was  before  Felix,  he  said,  "  But  this  I  confess  unto  thee, 
that  after  the  way,  which  they  call  heresy,  so  worship  I  the  God 
of  my  fathers,  believing  all  things,  which  are  written  in  the  law  and 
the  prophets,  and  have  hope  towards  God — that  there  shall  be  a  re- 
surrection, both  of  the  just  and  unjust,"  Acts  xxiv.  14,  15.  Here 
is  the  distinguishing  property  of  this  grace,  "believing  all  things." 
Whether  acceptable  or  not  to  the  Jews  or  Gentiles,  yet  his  faith  be- 
lieved all  things  written  in  the  law  or  prophets,  and  his  hope  was  ac- 
cording to  his  faith.  The  Psalmist  could  say,  "  Then  shall  I  not  be 
ashamed,  when  I  have  respect  unto  all  thy  commandments,"  Psalm 
cxix.  6.  Has  the  Lord  requested  us  to  take  up  our  cross  and  follow 
him  ;  then,  says  faith,  I  will  confess  him  before  men.  The  true  Chris- 
tian is  pleased  with  the  whole  counsel  of  God;  the  way  in  which  he 
walks  is  a  straight  and  narrow  way,  but  it  is  as  wide  as  faith  wishes 
it.  Christ  is  to  the  unbeliever,  a  stone  of  stumbling  and  rock  of 
offence ;  but  to  the  believing  soul,  he  is  altogether  lovely  and  precious. 

2.  This  faith  is  not  dead  and  fruitless,  it  will  not  allow  men  to  live 
in  sinful  ways.  The  doctrines  of  grace  may  be  abused  to  lascivious- 
ness  and  all  manner  of  ungodliness ;  but  the  work  of  God  in  the  soul, 
cannot  produce  such  effects.  There  are  many  vain  talkers  in  the 
world,  who  walk  after  their  own  lusts,  and  speak  much  of  salvation 
by  Christ,  and  walk  according  to  the  course  of  this  world ;  but  where 
this  precious  grace  is  communicated,  it  is  as  fire  in  the  soul,  Avhich 
will  produce  works  meet  to  repentance;  hence  says  the  apostle,  "In 
Christ  Jesus  neither  circumcision  availeth  any  thing,  nor  uncircura- 
cision:  but  faith  which  worketh  by  love,"  Gal.  v.  6.  There  is  a  faith 
which  works  not  at  all,  or  it  works  either  out  of  fear  of  punishment, 
or  with  a  view  of  reward  ;  but  this  divine  grace,  which  is  peculiar  to 
the  regenerate,  obeys  out  of  love.  If  there  was  neither  heaven  nor 
hell,  the  true  believer  would  wish  to  live  soberly,  righteously,  and 
godly  in  this  present  world.  We  are  taught  to  pray  that  the  will  of 
God  may  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  done  in  heaven,  and  this  is  the 
case  when  all  our  obedience  flows  from  love.    It  is  then  we  serve  the 

31 


242  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Lord  our  God  as  the  angels  in  heaven,  when  all  our  works  originate 
from  love,  and  our  souls  are  humbled  iu  us,  because  we  serve  him  no 
better ;  we  find  that  when  we  would  do  good,  evil  is  present  with  us, 
but  this  leads  us  to  make  Christ  our  all  in  all. 

3.  Another  distinguishing  property,  or  mark  of  this  grace,  is  to  be 
dead  to  the  law  with  respect  to  our  dependence  on  works  for  justifi- 
cation before  God :  we  see  that  all  our  righteousnesses  are  as  filthy 
rags  after  regeneration,  as  well  as  before.  The  apostle  said,  "  Yea, 
doubtless,  I  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  know- 
ledge of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord,"  Phil.  iii.  8.  Faith  can  bear  no 
other  recommendation  to  God,  but  the  atoning  blood  of  the  blessed 
Jesus :  it  can  admit  of  no  other  righteousness,  but  that  which  God 
imputes  unto  us  without  works,  even  the  righteousness  of  the  Lamb 
of  God,  which  can  justify  us  from  all  things,  from  which  we  never 
could  be  justified  by  the  law  of  Moses.  Hence  we  may  see  that  all 
legal,  conditional  preaching,  is  wounding  to  the  souls  of  true  be- 
lievers, and  can  answer  no  other  purpose  than  to  support  the  hope 
of  hypocrites;  but  when  Jesus  is  represented  as  bleeding  and  dying 
on  the  cross,  to  atone  for  our  sins,  our  languishing  hope  is  quickened, 
and  the  soul  says,  "  The  life  that  I  now  live,  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the 
Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,"  and,  0  amazing  to  express  !  "  gave  him- 
self for  me."  The  language  of  faith  is,  now  I  can  venture  into  the 
eternal  world,  when  I  behold  my  bleeding  Lord,  as  the  way  of  accep- 
tance into  divine  favor.  "  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee,  and  there 
is  none  on  earth  that  I  desire  besides  thee  !" 

Dearly  beloved,  we  have  briefly  endeavored  to  explain  what  we 
mean  by  saving  faith,  and  have  given  some  of  the  distinguishing 
properties  or  marks  of  it ;  and  it  has  been  with  this  view,  to  alarm 
the  formalist,  and  refresh  the  soul  of  the  sincere,  humble  Christian, 
as  well  as  to  detect  all  vain  talkers,  whose  faith  is  not  productive  of 
works  agreeable  to  the  gospel  of  Christ.  If  you  can  say,  "Lord,  I 
believe,  help  thou  my  unbelief;"  remember  that  full  assurance  is  not 
-essential  to  the  being  of  this  grace;  and  little  faith,  is  always  attended 
with  fear  and  doubting.  Let  the  disciple's  prayer  be  yours,  "  Lord, 
increase  our  faith."  By  it  the  elders  obtained  a  good  report;  and  as 
you  are  partakers  of  like  precious  faith,  endeavor  to  walk  worthy  of 
the  vocation  wherewith  you  are  called,  and  "  add  to  your  faith  virtue, 
and  to  virtue  knowledge,  and  to  knowledge  temperance,  and  to  tem- 
perance patience,  and  to  patience  godliness,  and  to  godliness 
brotherly  kindness,  and  to  brotherly  kindness  love ;  for  if  these 
things  be  in  you,  and  abound,  they  will  make  you  to  be  neither  bar- 
ren, nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ:  to  whom  be  glory  in  the  church  throughout  all  ages."    Amen. 

We  remain  your  brethren  in  the  fellowship  of  the  gospel. 
Signed,  by  order  of  the  Association, 

Samuel  Jones,  Moderator. 
Thomas  Ustick,  Clerk. 


MINUTES   OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


243 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS  AT   THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

13 

1 
.a 
p 

a 

8 

1^ 

1 

1 

Lower  Dublin, 
Pennepek, 

'  Samuel  Jones, 
Benjamin  Dungan, 

1  Thomas  Holmes, 
Jesse  Dungan, 

1 

0 

2 

1 

0 

67 

Middletown, 

(  Samuel  Morgan, 
\  William  Blair, 

8 

0 

1 

2 

0 

131 

Piscataqua, 
Cohansie, 

5  Reune  Runyan, 

{  Jeremiah  Manning,  Esq., 

(  Robert  Kelsat, 
<  Providence  Ludam, 
(Jonathan  Bowen, 

8 
0 

0 
0 

2 
0 

0 
0 

1 

3 

145 
93 

Welsh  Tract, 
Great  Valley, 

Cape  May, 

John  Boggs, 

23 

36 
3 

0 

0 
0 

1 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

2 

1 

7 

90 

89 
63 

Daniel  Cornog, 
William  George, 
•Jonathan  Philips, 
Michael  M'Cees, 
( 

[  Amos  Cresse, 

Hopewell, 

[  Oliver  Hart,* 
1  David  Stout,  jr., 
[  Jediah  Stout, 

2 

0 

17 

1 

5 

164 

Brandywine, 

Montgomery, 
Tulpehokin,t 

Kingwood,                        ■< 

Abel  Griffiths, 
Joshua  Vaughan, 
John  Powel, 

5 

4 

0 

0 

0 

24 

Charles  Humphrey, 

0 
0 

54 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

6 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

28 
0 

IGO 

Nicholas  Cox, 
Joshua  Opdyek, 
Jonathan  Welverton, 

Southampton, 

'  David  Jones, 
Arthur  Watts, 
Elias  Yerkes, 
Elias  Dungan, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

3 

51 

Philadelphia, 

'  Thomas  Ustick, 
Morgan  Edwards, 
William  Rogers,* 
Samuel  Miles,  Esq., 
Joseph  Watkins, 
George  Ingolls, 
Benjamin  Thaw, 

1 

3 

1 

2 

2 

111 

Haight's  Town,                 J 

Peter  Wilson, 
William  Covenhoven, 
Alexander  M'Gowan, 

45 

2 

1 

1 

0 

221 

Scotch  Plains,                   ] 

William  Vanhorn, 

Robert  Fitz  Randolph,           ' 

12 

0 

15 

1 

2 

146' 

244 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


churches. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 

ll 
'1^ 

1 

g 

■d 

a 

o3 

n 

0 
0 

0 
0 

s 
n 

0 

A 

g 

Horse  Neck.f 
Oyster  Bay,f 

0 

14 

Benjamin  Coles,* 

0 

0 

0 

XT 

9 

Morristown, 

f  David  Loofborrow,* 
( .John  Brookfield, 

3 

0 

1 

0 

0 

87 

Knowlton,t 

David  Finn,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

42 

Hartford,! 

John  Davis,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

New  Britain, 

f  Joshua  Jones, 
<  Edward  Matthew, 
(Benjamin  Matthew, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

19 

Salem, 

(  Peter  P.  Vanhorn,* 
■<  John  Brings, 
(_  John  Walker, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

4 

32 

Newtown,! 

Silas  Southworth,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

74 

Pawling's  Town, 

Samuel  Waldo,* 

13 

0 

0 

0 

3 

67 

Dividing  Creek, 

John  Garrison,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

43 

1.  New  York, 

f  Benjamin  Foster,* 
■I  Thomas  Montanye, 
(John  Bedint, 

14 

1 

15 

2 

3 

187 

New  Mills, 

Samuel  Jones, 

13 

0 

0 

0 

0 

95 

Konoloway,! 

Joseph  Powell,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Coram,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Upper  Freehold, 

Edward  Taylor, 

0 

0 

2 

1 

1 

45 

Mount  Bethel, 

Abner  Sutton,* 

2 

0 

4 

0 

0 

111 

Goshen  or  Warwick, 

Thomas  Jones,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

32 

Lyon's  Farms, 

Joseph  Stevens, 

3 

0 

0 

0 

1 

15 

Philip's  Patent,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Pittsgrove, 

',  William  Worth, 
,  [  Hosea  Snethen, 

0 

1 

0 

3 

2 

82 

Manahawkin,! 
Vincent,! 

0 
0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 
0 

V 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Tuckahoe,! 

Isaac  Bunnell,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

63 

Cortland's  Manor,! 

■" 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2.  New  York,! 

John  Dodge,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

10 

Stamford, 

Ebenezer  Ferris,* 

38 

0 

9 

1 

1 

89 

Cow  Marsh,! 
London  Tract, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

98 

Thomas  Fleeson, 

9 

0 

0 

0 

0 

37 

Hill  town. 

'  John  Thomas,* 
Elijah  Britton, 
Jonathan  Jones, 
Robert  Shannon, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

99 

Lower  Smithfield,! 

David  Jatne,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

29 

Mispilion,! 

Joshua  Dewees,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

16 

Baltimore, 

Lewis  Richards, 

8 

0 

0 

1 

0 

35 

Duck  Creek, 

J  Eliphaz  Dazey, 
1  James  Jones, 

12 

0 

0 

1 

2 

64 

MINUTES   OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


245 


CHURCHES.                                  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 
1 

li 

1 

s 

2 
4 

0 
0 

0 

S3 

i 

1 
1 

0 

1 

0 
20 

i 
g 
ft 

1 

f  Thomas  Ainger, 
"Wilmington,                     4  Caleb  Way, 

[John  Redman, 

2 
6 

1 

3 
0 

326 

0 
0 

3 
0 
0 

14 

2 

1 

0 
0 
0 

48 

49 
35 

47 
28 
32 

3198 

Jacob's  Town,                  |  Ishur'cot''"'''''' 
Staten  Island,                     Elkana  Holmes, 
Pittstown,                           James  Finn, 

XoTE. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Those  marked  thus  * 
not  present.  From  the  churches  marked  thus  f  we  received  no  intelligence. 
A  dash  denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES 

OF  THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  6tH,  7tH,  8tH,  AND  9tH, 

1789. 


October  6th,  3  o'clock,  p.  m. — Sermon  by  Brother  Lewis  Eichards, 
from  John  viii.  36,  "If  the  Son,  therefore,  shall  make  you  free,  ye 
shall  be  free  indeed." 

2.  Brother  Oliver  Hart  -vras  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother  Wil- 
liam Vanhorn,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  thirty -nine  churches  were  read. 

4.  Three  churches  constituted  within  the  last  year ;  one  at  Marcus 
Hook,  in  May ;  another  at  the  Ridge,  August  23  ;  and  the  last  on 
September  26 ;  desiring  to  join  this  Association,  were  admitted. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Agreed  to  meet  at  six  o'clock  to-morrow  morning  for  prayer. 

October  7th. — Met  pursuant  to  appointment. 

1.  Very  agreeable  letters  were  received  from  the  Charleston,  War- 
ren, Ketockton,  and  Shaftsbury  Associations,  Brother  Stephen 
Gano,  messenger  from  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  present. 

2.  The  ministering  brethren  providentially  present,  not  messen- 
gers from  the  churches,  are  invited  to  take  a  seat  amongst  us. 

3.  After  conferring  upon  the  necessity  and  importance  of  raising 
a  fund  for  the  education  of  pious  and  promising  young  men  for  the 
ministry, — we,  the  members  present,  do  engage  to  promote  subscrip- 
tions in  our  respective  churches  and  congregations,  for  said  purpose ; 
and  to  bring  in  the  moneys  raised,  with  the  subscription  papers 
to  the  next  Association,  to  be  at  their  disposal. 

Agreed,  That  our  Brother  Samuel  Jones,  shall  take  young  Mr.  Silas 
Walton  under  his  care,  for  instruction,  for  one  year,  at  X25  for  his 
accommodations,  including  the  use  of  necessary  books,  on  our  account, 
if  he  should  judge  it  expedient;  upon  this  condition,  nevertheless, 
that  the  said  Walton  give  his  obligation  to  refund  the  money  within 
seven  years,  if  he  should  not  become  a  minister  of  our  order  within 
that  time,  and  continue  therein. 

Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. — The  church  at  North-East  Town, 
formerly  called  Cortland's  Manor,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  being 
(246) 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA    ASSOCIATION.  247 

situated  nearer  the  Shaftsbury  Association,  requested  to  be  dismissed 
from  this  to  the  said  Association. 

Agreed,  That  their  request  be  granted  ;  and  when  they  shall  be 
received  by  them,  they  will  be  fully  dismissed  from  us. 

2.  As  we  had  reason  to  fear,  at  the  last  Association,  that  Mr.  Worth, 
of  Pittsgrove,  was  far  gone  in  the  doctrine  of  universal  salvation, 
we  are  well  certified,  by  undoubted  authority,  that  he  is  now  fully  in 
that  belief.  We,  therefore,  to  show  our  abhorrence  of  that  doctrine, 
and  of  his  disingenuous  conduct  for  a  long  time  past,  caution  our 
churches  to  beware  of  him,  and  of  Artist  Seagreaves,  of  the  same 
place  also,  who  has  espoused  the  same  doctrine. 

3.  Agreeably  to  a  recommendation  in  the  letter  from  the  church 
at  Baltimore,  this  Association  declare  their  high  approbation  of  the 
several  societies  formed  in  the  United  States  and  Europe,  for  the 
gradual  abolition  of  the  slavery  of  the  Africans,  and  for  guarding 
against  their  being  detained  or  sent  off  as  slaves,  after  having  ob- 
tained their  liberty ;  and  do  hereby  recommend  to  the  churches  we 
represent  to  form  similar  societies,  to  become  members  thereof,  and 
exert  themselves  to  obtain  this  important  object. 

4.  The  circular  letter  was  presented,  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on 
the  table. 

5.  Our  Brethren,  Messrs.  Ustick, Wilson,  Richards,  and  M'Laughlin, 
are  appointed  to  prepare  letters  to  the  Associations  corresponding 
"with  us,  and  bring  them  in  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow. 
Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Brother  Foster. 
October  8. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

1.  The  church  at  Mispilion  having  signified  it  was  more  convenient 
for  them  to  meet  with  the  Salisbury  Association,  and  that  they  request 
our  concurrence  therein. 

Agreed,  That  the  church  at  Mispilion  be  hereafter  considered  as 
belonging  to  the  Salisbury  Association. 

2.  The  circular  letter  was  again  read  and  approved. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. — The  letter  to  the  Warren  As- 
sociation, written  by  Brother  Wilson,  was  approved,  and  Dr.  Man- 
ning appointed  messenger.  The  letter  to  the  Shaftsbury  Association, 
by  Brother  Ustick,  was  approved,  and  our  Brethren  Nicholas  Cox 
and  Thomas  Montanye  were  appointed  messengers.  Also,  the  letter 
to  the  Charleston  Association,  and  that  to  Salisbury,  were  presented, 
read,  and  approved. 

2.  Dr.  Jones  is  appointed  to  write  a  letter  to  the  church  at 
Pittsgrove. 

Adjourned  to  six  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Dr.  Manning. 

October  9. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

1.  This  Association  taking  under  consideration  the  proposals  of 
Mr.  Isaac  Collins,  of  Trenton,  in  New  Jersey,  to  print  an  edition  of 
the  Holy  Bible,  in  quarto,  after  the  Oxford  edition;  and  his  request 


248  MIXUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

to  this  Association  to  patronize  the  work.  Being  desirous  to  en- 
courage so  laudable  a  design,  -we  appoint  our  brethren,  the  Rev. 
Oliver  Hart,  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  Rev.  Benjamin  Foster,  and  Rev. 
Burgiss  Allison,  to  concur  with  any  committee  appointed  by  any 
other  denomination  to  revise  and  correct  the  proof  sheets,  and,  if 
necessary,  to  fix  upon  the  most  correct  edition  of  the  scriptures  to 
be  recommended  to  the  printer,  from  ■which  to  make  his  impression. 
And  that  the  same  committee  be  ordered  to  use  their  influence  to 
prevent  the  Apocrypha,  or  any  notes  of  any  kind,  being  printed  and 
included  in  said  edition,  as  having  a  dangerous  tendency  to  corrupt 
the  simplicity  and  truth  of  the  sacred  scriptures,  by  being  thus  inti- 
mately associated  vcith.  them;  and,  particularly,  as  being  incom- 
patible with  the  union  of  people  of  different  religious  sentiments  in 
promoting  the  work.  And,  moreover,  the  Association  recommend  to 
all  the  churches  and  congregations  in  theii*  bounds,  to  encom'age  the 
undertaking. 

2.  Supplies  were  granted  to  the  following  destitute  churches : — 
Salem,  Morristown,  Cohansie,  and  Great  Valley. 

3.  On  motion,  unanimously  agreed,  That,  as  our  chui'ches  in  the 
middle  States  have  greatly  increased,  a  history  of  the  same  appears 
to  be  eligible  and  useful:  And,  as  Brother  Morgan  Edwards  has  com- 
menced a  collection  of  materials  for  such  a  history  in  the  state  of 
New  Jersey,  he  be  requested  to  proceed  as  it  may  be  convenient  for 
him,  and  that  any  of  our  brethren,  so  laudably  disposed,  be  entreated 
either  to  collect  materials  or  assist  therein. 

4.  Toted,  That  the  Association  be  held  at  New  York,  the  first 
Tuesday  in  October  next. 

We  take  this  opportunity  to  observe,  that,  for  the  encouragement  of 
the  churches  in  the  State  of  New  York  and  adjacent  places,  we  have 
met  at  New  York  a  few  times ;  but  with  much  inconvenience  to  the 
western  churches  of  our  Association :  and  now  recommend  it  to  the 
churches  to  give  their  opinion  the  next  Association  on  the  expediency 
of  the  eastern  churches  forming  a  new  Association  at  New  York,  if 
they  request  them. 

5.  Doctor  Jones  is  appointed  to  preach  the  Association  sennon 
next  year ;  and,  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  Hart  is  requested  to  be 
prepared. 

6.  Brother  Benjamin  Foster  is  appointed  to  write  the  cii'cidar  letter 
for  next  year. 

7.  Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
minutes,  and  forwarding  them  to  the  churches  and  Associations. 

Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Brother  S.  Gano. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BT  REV.  BURGISS  ALLISON". 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  churches  met  in  Associa- 
tion at  Philadelphia,  October  6th,  1789. 

To  the  several  churches  in  union  with  this  Association,  send 
greeting. 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  249 

Dearly  beloved, — Inasmucli  as  our  divine  Lord  and  Master  has 
been  pleased,  in  his  infinite  mercy,  to  furnish  us  with  the  means  of 
grace,  for  our  furtherance  and  growth  therein;  and  for  the  declara- 
tive glory  of  his  great  and  holy  name  ;  and  as  one  of  these  means  is 
the  assembling  of  ourselves  together,  our  predecessors  have  wisely 
instituted  this  annual  Association  of  the  churches  ;  that  by  hearing  of 
the  welfare  of  each  other,  conferring  together  upon  difficult  matters, 
admonishing  and  exhorting  to  steadfastness  in  the  faith,  and  address- 
ing each  other  upon  the  important  doctrines  of  grace  ;  the  Redeemer's 
cause  and  interest  might  be  promoted  in  the  world,  and  Zion  built  up 
upon  the  foundation  laid  in  the  gospel.  In  pursuance  of  this,  in  our 
circular  letters,  we  have  addressed  you  upon  those  essential  doctrines 
of  divine  truth ;  and,  for  connection  sake,  have  followed  the  order 
in  which  they  are  treated  in  our  Confession  of  faith :  That  which 
comes  next  in  succession,  is  Repentance  unto  life  and  salvation. 

1.  By  repentance,  in  general,  we  understand,  sorrow  or  pain 
arising  from  a  retrospective  view  of  any  action  or  circumstance,  in 
which  we  have  been  agents,  which  is  contrary  to,  either  the  dictates 
of  conscience,  the  word  of  God ;  that  from  whence  we  see  any  evil 
consequences  accruing  to  ourselves,  or  that  which  is  evil  in  its  own 
nature,  and  which  is  increased  in  proportion  to  the  light  and  evidence 
we  have  thereof.  This  repentance  may  be  considered  in  a  two-fold 
point  of  view,  generally  known  by  the  appellations  of  evangelical  and 
legal.  This  distinction  the  apostle  seems  to  have  had  an  eye  to,  in 
2  Cor.  vii.  10,  where  he  tells  us,  "  That  godly  sorrow  worketh  repen- 
tance unto  salvation  not  to  be  repented  of;  but  the  sorrow  of  the 
world  worketh  death."  This  is  indeed  implied  when  we  speak  of  re- 
pentance unto  salvation,  since  its  distinguishing  characteristic,  pre- 
supposes that  there  is  a  repentance  which  is  not  unto  salvation. 

2.  The  repentance  which  is  not  unto  life  and  salvation,  or,  what  is 
generally  denominated,  mere  legal  repentance,  originates  in  self- 
love,  terminates  in  the  fear  of  future  punishment,  or  penal  evil ;  and 
is  but  a  transient  view  of  that  legal  condemnation  which  is  the  con- 
sequence of  sin :  but  never  leads  the  soul  to  the  gospel  refuge. 
Hence,  if  any  reformation  is  effected,  it  finally  terminates  in  apos- 
tacy :  Agreeable  to  the  apostle's  assertion,  2  Pet.  ii.  22 ;  "  But  it 
hath  happened  unto  them,  according  to  the  true  proverb.  The  dog  is 
turned  to  his  own  vomit  again ;  and  the  sow  that  was  washed,  to  her 
wallowing  in  the  mire." 

3.  Repentance,  which  is  unto  life  and  salvation,  has  God  for  its 
Author ;  and  does  not  arise  from  the  power  of  free-will,  or  the  dic- 
tates of  a  natural  conscience ;  but  from  the  grace  of  God  as  the  effi- 
cient, and  operation  of  the  divine  Spirit  as  the  impulsive  cause; 
without  which  no  means,  as  judgments,  mercies,  or  the  most  power- 
ful ministry,  of  themselves  can  effect.  It  is  produced  in  the  soul  by 
divine  illumination,  through  which  we  are  led  to  see  something  of 
the  nature  and  perfections  of  God,  the  holiness  of  the  divine  law, 
and  the  strictness  of  justice.  Rom.  vii.  9,  "  But  when  the  command- 
ment came,  sin  revived,  and  I  died."  Hence  a  discovery  of  the  evil 

32 


250  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

and  accursed  nature  of  sin,  the  pollution  and  defilement  of  nature, 
and  the  state  of  condemnation  into  which  the  soul  is  involved.  The 
person  is  now  filled  with  shame  and  confusion  of  face ;  with  sorrow 
and  contrition  of  soul.  He  views  his  heart  as  a  cage  of  uncleaji 
birds,  as  a  nest  of  pollution  and  sink  of  iniquity  :  and  conceives  him- 
self to  be  the  most  hell-deserving,  as  well  as  undeserving  of  God's 
creatures,  and  is  made  to  adopt  that  lamentable  complaint,  "The 
whole  head  is  sick,  and  the  whole  heart  is  faint."  This  godly  sorrow 
and  repentance  for  sin,  is  not  excited  merely  from  a  view  of  the  de- 
merits of  sin,  of  its  evil  consequences  to  the  soul,  or  a  fear  of  hell 
and  damnation :  but  on  account  of  the  evil  that  is  in  sin ;  its  contra- 
riety to  a  holy  God.  He  mourns  that  he  has  oflFended  God,  wounded 
Christ,  and  grieved  the  holy  Spirit.  It  farther  produces  an  ingenu- 
ous confession  of  sin,  and  forsaking  it,  in  bringing  forth  fruits  meet 
for  repentance  in  life  and  conversation. 

This  is  not  called  repentance  unto  salvation,  as  being  the  cause  of 
salvation,  or  condition  of  it ;  for  Christ  alone  is  the  fulfiller  of  the  con- 
ditions :  and,  therefore  to  fit  his  people  for  the  enjoyment  of  it,  he 
hath  sent  forth  his  Spirit  into  their  hearts,  to  convince  "  of  sin,  of 
righteousness,  and  of  judgment;"  to  beget  evangelical  repentance  in 
them ;  a  hatred  to  sin,  and  a  turning  from  it  to  God.  Agreeably  to 
which,  it  is  said,  Matt.  i.  21,  "  Thou  shalt  call  his  name  Jesus, 
for  he  shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins."  But  it  is  said  to  be  unto 
salvation,  as  itself  is  a  blessing  of  salvation  and  a  part  of  it;  an 
evidence  of  an  interest  in  it,  and  terminates  in  the  full  enjoyment 
of  it. 

This  repentance  is  wrought  in  the  hearts  of  God's  people,  as 
above,  in  order  to  their  sanctification,  that  they  may  be  qualified  to 
enjoy  the  heavenly  inheritance. 

4.  Again,  as  the  Christian  experiences  the  inherence  of  sin  as 
long  as  he  lives,  "for  there  is  none  that  liveth  and  sinneth  not," 
though  freed  from  the  reigning  power  and  dominion  of  sin;  so  he 
has  continued  reason  to  exercise  the  grace  of  repentance,  and  humble 
himself  under  every  transgression  in  particular,  as  well  as  the  remains 
of  corruption  in  general.  Such  was  the  exercise  of  the  apostle, 
Rom.  vii.  24,  "  0  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me 
from  the  body  of  this  death."  Thus  is  the  Christian  continually, 
while  in  the  exercise  of  grace,  aspiring  after  holiness,  and  mournino- 
over  his  depravity.  His  sanctification  is  carried  on,  and  will  finally 
be  accomplished,  when  he  shall  be  admitted  into  the  mansions  of 
eternal  blessedness  and  ineffable  glory;  "where  all  sorrow  and 
sighing  shall  flee  away;" — Avhere  there  shall  be  no  more  sin,  and 
consequently  no  need  of  repentance  or  sorrow,  for  the  Lord  our  God 
"  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  our  eyes." 

Thus,  dearly  beloved,  have  w^e  endeavored  to  consider  repentance 
unto  life  and  salvation,  according  to  the  gospel  sense  of  the  doctrine. 
May  the  great  Head  of  his  church,  through  the  influence  of  the 
divine  Spirit,  give  us  a  humbling  view  of  all  our  imperfections,  that 
we  may  live  to  the  honor  of  his  great  name,  and  ascribe  all  the 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


251 


glory  of  our  salvation  to  the  riches  of  his  grace,  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 

Oliver  Haet,  Moderator. 

William  Vanhorn,  Clerk. 

THE  MINISTERS  AND   MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,   AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND    MESSENGERS. 

ll 

1 
S 

2 
0 
2 

0 
3 

0 
0 

8 

1 

0 
0 

9 
5 

0 

s 

8 

X 

0 
1 

2 

0 
0 

2 
0 

1 

0 

0 
0 

2 
5 

0 

•6 

i 
fi 

0 
3 
0 

6 
0 

2 
0 

4 

0 

0 
0 

4 
0 

1 

1 
§ 

66 
134 
147 

90 
104 

91 
63 

164 

37 

28 
0 

186 
240 

53 

Lower  Dublin, 

Middletown, 
Piscataqua, 

Cohansie, 

Welsh  Tract, 

Great  Valley, 

Cape  May,t 
Hopewell, 

Brandywine, 

Montgomery, 
Tulpehokin,t 

Kingwood, 
Haight's  Town, 
Southampton, 

'  Samuel  Jones, 
John  Wright, 
William  Rooper, 
Benjamin  Dungan, 

f  Samuel  Morgan, 
[  Jacob  Covenhoven, 

[  Reune  Runyan, 
[  Henry  Smalley, 

1 

6 
4 

0 
12 

8 
0 

8 

9 

0 
0 

37 
26 

3 

0 

1 

2 

3 
5 

1 

0 

5 

5 

0 
0 

2 
3 

0 

[  Nathan  Shepherd, 
'  David  Shepherd, 
■  John  Boggs, 
James  Griffith, 

Daniel  Cornog, 
Michael  McKees, 
John  Davies, 
Jonathan  Philips, 
Owen  Thomas, 
Abner  Davies, 

Oliver  Hart, 
John  Jewel, 
James  Ewen, 

Abel  Griffith, 
Joshua  Vaughan, 
Thomas  Davies, 

Edmund  Pennington, 

Nicholas  Cox, 
Richard  Carter, 
John  Koughler, 
James  Drake, 

Peter  Wilson, 
Alexander  M'Gowan, 
^  Samuel  Minor, 

'  David  Jones, 
Thomas  Folwell, 
Benjamin  Bonnet, 

[William  Watts, 

252 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


l-fe 

y 

■6 

s 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

13 

■  1 

B 

1 

i 

0 

ft 
28 

0 

0 

104 

Philadelphia, 

Thomas  Ustick, 
William  Rogers, 
John  Stancliff, 
George  IngoUs, 
John  McLeod, 

21 

Scotch  Plains, 

( 

William  Vanhorn, 
Jacob  Fitz  Randolph, 

1 

0 

4 

5 

1 

137 

Horse  Neck,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

14 

Oyster  Bay.f 

Benjamin  Coles,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

9 

Morristown, 
Knowlton,f 

0 
0 

0 
0 

4 

0 

n 

83 
42 

0 

0 

0 

Harford,t 

John  Davies, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

New  Britain, 

Salem,                            ^ 

'  Joshua  Jones, 
Benjamin  Matthew, 
Edward  Matthew, 

r 

2 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

1 

21 
31 

John  Holmes, 
John  Walker, 

Newtown,! 

Silas  Southworth,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

74 

Dividing  Creek, 

John  Garrison,* 

3 

0 

0 

0 

5 

41 

1.  New  York, 

New  Mills,                    ■< 

Benjamin  Foster, 
William  Thomson, 
William  Durel, 

r 

19 

7 

2 
0 

4 
0 

13 
0 

2 
2 

196 
100 

David  Gaskil, 
Benjamin  Hedger, 

Konoloway,t 

Joseph  Powell,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Coram, 

Upper  Freehold,              ' 

n 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 
56 

Joseph  Stephen, 
Edward  Taylor, 

11 

1 

0 

1 

0 

Mount  Bethel, 

Abner  Sutton,* 

0 

0 

10 

0 

0 

101 

-np-       .  1                           f  Thomas  Montanyb, 
Warwick,                        1  Amos  Park, 

142 

7 

3 

4 

1 

192 

Lyon's  Farms, 
Philip's  Patent,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

*15 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Pittsgrove, 

John  Kelly, 
Armenius  Snethen, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Manahawkin,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Vincent, 
Tuckahoe,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

99 

Isaac  Bunnel,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Northeast  Town, 

Simon  Dakin,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

54 

2.  NewYork,t 

John  Dodge,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

10 

Stamford,! 

Ebenezer  Ferris, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

89 

Cow  Marsh, 
London  Tract, 

1 

0 

4 

6 

2 

2*^ 

Thomas  Fleeson,* 
George  Evans, 

J. 

3 

0 

2 

0 

3 

35 

MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


253 


"6 
g 

•sl 

p 

i 

2 

1 

i 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS   AND    MESSENGERS. 

p« 

>  "S 

1 

i 

,£3 

1 

C3 

it 

Q 

fi 

1 

John  Thomas, 

Hilltown, 

James  M'Laughlin, 

Nathan  Evans, 

John  Davies,  jr.. 

3 

0 

1 

0 

3 

98 

Lower  Smithfield,+ 

David  Jatne,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

29 

Mispilion, 

Joshua  Dewees,* 
(  Lewis  Richards, 

1 

0 

0 

1 

0 

16 

Baltimore, 

<  George  Prestman, 

(  William  Taggart, 

10 

2 

0 

0 

0 

48 

Duck  Creek, 

f  James  Jones,* 
\  John  Patton, 

f  Thomas  Ainger, 

1 

2 

5 

0 

0 

63 

Wilmington, 

<  Thomas  Brooks, 
(Andrew  Hawke, 

14 

0 

11 

1 

2 

49 

Canoe  Brook, 

Isaac  Price, 
(  BuRGiss  Allison, 

2 

1 

2 

0 

0 

35 

Jacob's  Town, 

<  James  Cox, 

(  Samuel  Sexton, 

18 

0 

1 

1 

1 

52 

Staten  Island,  f 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

Pittstown,f 

James  Finn,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

32 

Marcus  Hook, 

f  Eliphaz  Dazet, 
1  Richard  Riley, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

18 

Rocksberry, 

r  Abraham  Levering, 
<  Charles  Nice, 
(John  Levering, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

36 

Falls  township,  Bucks 
county. 

[  Joseph  Richardson, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

13 

373 

42 

109 

39 

43 

3369 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Those  marked  thus  * 
were  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked  thus  f  we  received  no  intelli- 
gence.    A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister 


MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  NEW  YORK,  OCTOBER  5tH,  6tH,  AND    7tH, 

1790. 


Tuesday,  October  5th. — At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  Dr.  Samuel  Jones 
delivered  the  introductory  g'ermon,  from  John  vii.  17  :  "  If  any  man 
will  do  his  will,  he  shall  know  of  the  doctrine,  whether  it  be  of  God." 

2.  After  worship,  proceeded  to  business.  Dr  James  Manning  was 
chosen  moderator,  and  Brother  William  Vanhorn,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  the  churches  were  read. 

4.  Letters  from  corresponding  Associations  were  read,  viz.,  Charles- 
ton, Warren,  Ketockton,  Shaftsbury,  and  Vermont ;  also  a  letter 
from  an  Association  lately  formed  at  Danbury,  in  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut, desiring  union  and  correspondence  with  us,  was  read.  After 
the  usual  inquiries  respecting  their  doctrine  and  practice,  their  request 
was  agreed  to,  and  their  messenger,  Elder  Adam  Hamilton,  received. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Wednesday,  October  6th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  In 
answer  to  the  query  from  the  church  at  the  Scotch  Plains  :  Whether 
a  minister  who  has  been  excommunicated,  and  in  process  of  time  is 
restored  again,  has  a  right,  on  said  restoration,  to  preach  the  gospel  ? 
We  advise,  that  with  his  restoration  to  membership,  before  he  exer- 
cises the  functions  of  the  ministry,  he  be  expressly  approbated  there- 
in by  the  church,  and  we  think  it  expedient  that  it  be  with  the  ad- 
vice of  sister  churches. 

Resolved,  That  in  answer  to  requests  from  the  churches  at  Cape 
May  and  Pittsgrove,  Brethren  Samuel  Jones,  Samuel  Morgan,  Wil- 
liam Vanhorn,  and  Ezekiel  Robins,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  a 
letter  to  them  on  the  subject  of  their  diflSculties. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. — As  it  appears  expedient  that  Mr. 
Silas  Walton  should  continue  another  year  under  the  tuition  of  Dr. 
Jones,  and  as  Mr.  Carter,  of  Virginia,  has  generously  engaged  five 
pounds  towards  his  assistance,  it  is  agreed  that  we  will  be  account- 
able for  twenty  pounds  in  addition  thereto,  said  Walton  giving  a 
bond  for  refunding  said  twenty  pounds  in  seven  years,  without  inte- 
(254) 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


255 


rest;  and  it  is  recommended  to  the  churches  to  promote  subscrip- 
tions or  collections  the  ensuing  year,  to  raise  said  sum,  and  make 
additions  to  our  fund,  and  transmit  the  same  to  our  next  Association. 

Voted,  That  Brother  S.  Jones,  Brother  Hart,  and  Brother  Allison 
be,  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  a  committee  to  revise  the  materials 
for  a  history  of  the  Baptist  churches  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey, 
collected  by  Brother  Morgan  Edwards. 

Letters  to  the  corresponding  Associations,  ordered  to  be  prepared 
by  to-morrow  afternoon,  as  follows ;  Brother  Earl,  to  that  of  the 
Warren,  Brother  Ustick,  to  the  Charleston,  Brother  D.  Jones,  to 
Ketockton,  Brother  Eleeson,  to  Shaftsbury,  Brother  Runyan,  to 
Vermont,  and  Brother  Smalley  to  that  of  Danbury. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Elder  Adam  Hamilton,  from  Heb.  xii.  1,  2. 
"  Wherefore,  seeing  we  also  are  compassed  about  with  so  great  a 
cloud  of  witnesses,"  &c.,  &c. 

Thursday,  October  7th, — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  A  letter 
written  by  Dr.  Jones,  opposed  to  universal  salvation,  being  read,  and 
esteemed  very  seasonable  at  this  juncture,  it  was  adopted  as  the  cir- 
cular letter  for  the  present  year,  in  lieu  of  that  prepared  by  Brother 
Foster,  agreeably  to  appointment,  which  was  also  read,  generally 
approved,  and  though  not  revised,  was  nevertheless  agreed  to  be 
printed. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  a  standing  rule  of  this  Association,  that  the 
circular  letter  be  produced  early  in  the  session,  and  being  read,  a 
committee  shall  be  appointed  to  examine,  and,  if  necessary,  correct  it. 

On  the  receipt  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  Isaac  Collins,  printer,  of  Tren- 
ton, respecting  subscriptions  for  his  Bible,  we  earnestly  recommend 
to  our  churches,  to  promote  the  subscriptions,  which  are  amongst 
them.  Our  committee,  appointed  last  year  to  inspect  this  work,  in- 
form us,  that  it  is  executed  as  far  as  the  book  of  Job,  and  Avith  the 
greatest  accuracy.  Returns  of  the  subscriptions,  and  the  money 
paid  on  subscribing,  may  be  made  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Foster,  of  New 
York,  Rev.  Mr.  Allison,  of  Bordentown,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ustick, 
of  Philadelphia. 

Cash  paid,  agreeably  to  the  recommendation  of  last  Association,  for 
a  fund,  &c.,  is  as  follows  : 


£ 

s. 

d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

Lower  Dublin, 

4 

7 

9 

Haight's  Town, 

3 

0 

0 

Piscataqua, 

1 

2 

6 

Philadelphia, 

3 

1 

3 

Cohansie, 

1 

2 

6 

Scotch  Plains, 

2 

15 

6 

Hopewell, 

2 

11 

0 

New  York, 

8 

1 

8 

Brandywine, 

0 

9 

4 

Baltimore, 

9 

7 

6 

In  all  £35  18s  7d.,  Pennsylvania  currency. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  p.  m. 

Met,  pursuant  to  adjournment. — The  subject  of  forming  a  new 
Association,  to  be  held  at  New  York,  being  considered,  it  did  not 
appear  there  were  a  sufficient  number  of  churches  desired  dismission 
for  that  purpose. 


256  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

In  answer  to  a  query  from  the  church  at  Stamford,  accompanied 
with  a  number  of  quotations  from  certain  authors,  holding  what  is 
called  the  new  system  of  divinity :  Whether  we  hold  them  as  Scripture 
truths,  and  whether  such  persons  as  hold  them,  and  endeavor  to  pro- 
mote them,  are  to  be  held  in  fellowship  in  a  gospel  church  ?  We 
reply,  that  we  apprehend  danger,  lest  by  these  fine  spun  theories, 
and  the  consequences  which  are  drawn  from  them  by  some,  the  great 
doctrines  of  the  imputation  of  Adam's  sin,  Christ's  proper  atonement, 
imputed  righteousness,  &c.,  should  be  totally  set  aside,  or,  at  least,  the 
glory  of  them  sullied.  We  therefore  advise,  that  great  care  should 
be  taken  to  guard  against  innovations  not  calculated  to  edify  the 
body  of  Christ.  But  that  the  individual  churches  must  judge  for 
themselves,  when  any  of  their  members  so  far  deviate  from  that  sys- 
tem of  doctrine  held  by  the  churches  of  this  Association,  as  to  require 
their  exclusion. 

This  Association  lament  they  have  occasion  again  to  call  the  atten- 
tion of  that  part  of  Zion  we  represent,  to  another  awful  instance  of 
departure  from  the  faith  once  delivered  unto  the  saints.  Mr. 
Nicholas  Cox,  late  a  brother  in  the  ministry,  having  espoused,  and 
artfully,  as  well  as  strenuously  endeavored,  to  propagate  the  fatal 
notion  of  the  universal  restoration  of  bad  men  and  devils  from  hell. 
As  such,  we  caution  our  churches,  those  of  our  sister  Associations, 
and  Christian  brethren  of  every  denomination,  to  be  aware  of  him. 

The  request  of  the  churches  at  Stamford,  Warwick,  first  and  second 
of  New  York,  King  Street,  and  Staten  Island,  for  permission  to  join 
other  Associations,  if  it  should  be  found  more  convenient,  was 
granted. 

Supplies  for  destitute  churches  at  Salem,  Pittsgrove,  Lyon's  Farms, 
2d  New  York,  and  Staten  Island. 

Letters  to  the  corresponding  Associations,  according  to  order  of 
yesterday,  were  brought  in,  read,  and  approved.  Dr.  Manning  ap- 
pointed messenger  to  the  Warren  Association.  Elder  Hamilton  to 
Shaftsbury,  and  Elder  Ferres  to  Danbury. 

This  Association  sincerely  regret  the  failure  of  an  appointment, 
the  last  year,  to  address  the  President  of  the  United  States  ;  but 
deem  it  at  present  out  of  season. 

Association  to  be  held,  first  Tuesday  in  October,  next  in  Phila- 
delphia. 

Brother  William  Vanhorn  is  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter 
for  next  year. 

Brother  Oliver  Hart  is  appointed  to  preach  the  Association  ser- 
mon next  year,  and,  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  William  Vanhorn  is 
requested  to  be  prepared. 

Brother  William  Vanhorn  is  requested  to  superintend  the  print- 
ing of  the  minutes,  and  forward  them  to  the  chui'ches  and  Asso- 
ciations. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  Thomas  Fleeson,  from  Rev.  iii.  4 : 
"  Thou  hast  a  few  names  even  in  Sardis,  which  have  not  defiled  their 
garments  ;  and  they  shall  walk  with  me  in  white,  for  they  are  worthy." 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  257 

CIKCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  REV.   SAMUEL  JOXES,  D.   D. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  chuVches  met  in  Associ- 
ation, in  the  city  of  New  York,  October  5th,  1790. 

To  the  several  churches  in  union  with  this  Association,  send 
greeting. 

Dearly  beloved, — We  are  happy,  at  the  close  of  our  annual  meet- 
ing, that  we  can  say,  it  was  agreeable  and  comfortable  through  the 
whole.  We  had  refreshing  news  from  several  churches  in  our  con- 
nection, as  well  as  from  the  Associations  that  correspond  with  us.  It 
is  matter  of  joy,  and  calls  for  acknowledgment  and  giving  of  thanks, 
that  peace  and  good  order  so  generally  prevail,  and  that  the  work 
of  the  Lord  is  carried  on  with  power  in  many  places.  We  have,  how- 
ever, to  lament,  that  there  are  some  appearances,  in  two  or  three  of 
our  churches,  of  the  leprosy  of  universal  salvation,  which,  perhaps, 
the  Lord  may  permit  to  spread,  that  they  which  are  approved  may 
be  made  manifest.  But,  when  we  see  such  an  Achan,  such  a  troubler 
of  Israel,  in  the  camp,  we  m.ay  well  suspect  the  Lord  has  a  controversy 
with  us.  It  behoves  us,  then,  to  humble  ourselves,  to  implore  the 
divine  mercy,  and  to  do  our  endeavor  to  prevent  the  spreading  of  so 
dangerous  a  plague.  To  this  end  we  have  concluded  to  address  you 
at  this  time  on  the  aforesaid  subject. 

The  notion  of  universal  salvation,  as  now  propagated,  is  explained 
two  ways.  Some  of  them  say  that  there  is  no  hell,  or,  if  there  be,  that 
there  shall  not  any  of  the  human  race  be  sent  there,  but  that  all,  good 
and  bad,  shall  be  taken  to  heaven  together.  Others  say,  that  though 
there  be  a  place  of  future  punishment,  and  though  some  of  the  human 
race  are  sent  thither  for  a  time,  yet  that  they  all  finally  shall  be 
released,  and  brought  safe  to  heaven. 

We  doubt  not,  dear  brethren,  but  it  will  seem  strange  to  such  of 
you  as  may  not  have  heard  these  things  before,  that  any  who  pretend 
to  be  the  ministers  of  Christ,  should  advance  such  dangerous  notions. 
Yet  so  it  is.  He  who,  in  the  beginning,  gave  divine  revelation  the 
lie,  when  he  said  to  the  woman,  "Ye  shall  not  surely  die,"  has  ever 
since  been  going  about,  like  a  roaring  lion,  seeking  whom  he  may 
devour ;  and  endeavoring,  by  various  means,  to  deceive  and  lull 
asleep,  and  among  others,  by  endeavoring  to  evade  the  force  of 
divine  truth. 

As  for  the  first  of  these  notions,  namely,  that  not  any  of  the  human 
race  are  ever  sent  to  a  place  of  future  punishment,  but  that  all,  good 
and  bad,  are  taken  to  heaven,  we  shall  say  but  little  to  it ;  not  only 
because  we  have  no  room,  but  also  because  we  deem  it  unnecessary. 
The  Scripture,  on  the  one  hand,  is  so  express,  particular,  and  posi- 
tive, and,  on  the  other,  the  methods  they  take  to  evade  these  Scrip- 
tures are  so  disingenuous,  and  their  endeavors  to  accommodate  other 
Scriptures  to  their  own  views  so  trifling,  that  it  is  hard  for  any  one 
to  believe  that  they  believe  themselves,  or  that  they  can  be  serious 
and  in  earnest,  when  the  Scriptures  positively  and  without  equivoca- 
cation  say,  "  the  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  nations 

83 


258  MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

that  forget  God,"  Ps.  ix.  17.  "  That  the  whole  hody  should  be  cast 
into  hell,"  Matt.  v.  29.  "  To  be  cast  into  hell  fire,"  Matt,  xviii.  9. 
"  How  can  ye  escape  the  damnation  of  hell,"  Matt,  xxiii.  33.  "  To 
be  cast  into  hell,"  Mark  ix.  45,  47.  "  And  in  hell  he  lift  up  his  eyes, 
being  in  torment,"  Luke  xvi.  23  ;  besides  a  number  of  other  places. 
What  need  we  more,  not  to  mention  the  dissolute  manners  which 
might  be  expected  to  attend,  and  which  actually  have  been  the  con- 
sequences of  so  licentious  a  tenet,  as  that  of  which  we  are  speaking. 

The  other  way  of  explaining  this  notion,  namely,  that,  though 
some  of  the  human  race  are  sent  to  a  place  of  future  punishment  for 
a  time,  yet  that  they  shall  all  finally  be  released,  and  brought  safe 
to  heaven ;  this  merits  more  attention,  because  it  is  more  plausible, 
though  not  more  true. 

Here  we  shall  consider, 

I.  That  the  Scripture  is  express  against  it. 

II.  That  there  are  no  Scriptures  for  it. 

III.  That  there  can  be  none,  since  it  would  be  likely  to  do  much 
hurt,  but  could  do  no  good. 

IV.  And  lastly,  that  if  the  notion  was  in  some  degree  likely  to  be 
true,  yet  that  it  would  be  safest  to  reject  it. 

I.  The  Scripture  expressly  says  that  future  punishment  will  be  for 
ever,  2  Pet.  ii.  17  ;  Jude,  verse  13 ;  for  ever  and  ever,  Kev.  xx,  10 ; 
xiv.  11 ;  xix.  3. 

And  we  read  of  "  eternal  damnation,"  Mark  iii.  29 ;  "  eternal 
judgment,"  Heb.  vi.  2;  "eternal  fire,"  Jude,  verse  7;  "everlasting 
fire,"  Matt.  xxv.  41;  xviii.  8;  "everlasting  punishment,"  Matt. 
XXV.  26  ;  and  of  one  sin  that  "  it  shall  not  be  forgiven,  neither  in  this 
world,  neither  in  the  world  to  come,"  Matt.  xii.  32.  In  this  abso- 
lute manner  is  expressed  the  endless  duration  of  the  awful  denuncia- 
tions of  the  wrath  of  God :  and  to  cut  off  all  pretence  of  every  possi- 
ble evasion,  there  are  three  things  remarkable : 

1.  That  the  eternal  duration  of  the  punishment  of  the  wicked,  is 
expressed  in  the  very  same  w^ords  as  eternal  duration  in  general,  Dan. 
ii.  20. 

2.  In  the  very  same  words  also,  whereby  the  eternal  duration  of 
the  happiness  of  the  righteous  is  expressed,  Dan.  xii.  2 ;  Kev.  xxii. 
5 ;  John  iii.  16 ;  Matt.  xxv.  26. 

3.  Nay,  in  the  very  same  words  whereby  the  eternal  duration  of 
God  himself  is  expressed,  Gen.  xxi.  33;  Psalm  xc.  2;  Dan.  vii.  27; 
Lam.  v.  19 ;  Deut.  xxxii.  40. 

II.  Since  the  awful  subject  before  us  is  so  clearly  revealed  in  the 
word  of  God,  it  may  seem  trifling  to  undertake  to  show  that  there  is  no 
Scripture  in  favor  of  a  release  from  future  punishment,  as  if  it  might 
be  possible  for  Scripture  to  say  and  unsay,  to  speak  for  and  against  the 
same  thing.  Nevertheless,  it  may  be  of  use  to  mention  the  principle 
Scriptures  that  are  pretended  to  hold  forth  a  redemption  from  hell,  in 
order  to  shoAv,  that  beside  the  foregoing  reason,  there  are  generally 
reasons  sufficient,  arising  out  of  the  texts  tliemselves  and  contexts,  to 
show  that  they  mean  no  such  thing  as  they  are  brought  to  prove. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA    ASSOCIATION.  259 

Thus,  for  instance,  the  "all  men"  in  1  Tim.  ii.  4,  can  never  mean 
ever}^  individual  of  the  human  race,  for  there  are  some  "  who  were  be- 
fore ordained  unto  condemnation,"  and  are  "  vessels  of  wrath  fitted  for 
destruction,"  (Jude  4;  Rom.  ix.  22;)  but  rather  all  sorts  of  men,  as 
ver.  1,  kings  and  peasants,  rich  and  poor,  bond  and  free,  male  and 
female,  young  and  old ;  and  who  are  therefore  to  be  prayed  for  :  nor 
can  2  Pet.  iii.  9,  admit  of  such  an  interpretation  ;  for  this  means,  not 
any  of  the  us  mentioned  before,  or  the  beloved  in  the  first  verse ;  nor 
1  John  ii.  2,  which  means  that  the  benefits  of  Christ  were  not  to  be 
confined  to  the  Jews  only,  but  to  be  extended  to  the  Gentiles  also; 
nor  Rom.  v.  18,  for  here  the  first  and  second  Adams,  and  their  re- 
spective offspring  are  put  in  opposition,  showing  that  as  the  offspring 
of  the  one  was  lost  by  his  sin,  the  offspring  of  the  other  shall  be 
saved  by  his  grace ;  the  one  offspring  condemned  for  one  offence,  the 
other  saved  from  many;  nor  Col.  i.  20,  for  all  here  must  be  un- 
derstood in  a  limited  sense ;  for  it  cannot  include  angels  in  heaven, 
who  could  not  be  reconciled  to  God,  since  they  never  had  been  in 
a  state  of  irreconciliation :  all  the  elect  of  God  then  are  meant, 
who  are  spoken  of  as  reconciled  by  the  blood  of  the  cross.  Nor 
Eph.  i.  10,  which  only  says,  that  all  m  Christ  shall  be  brought  to- 
gether, but  not  those  who  never  were  in  him,  and  die  in  their  sins; 
nor  1  Cor.  xv.  22 ;  for  this  speaks  of  the  resurrection  of  the  body 
from  natural  death,  not  of  a  resurrection  from  spiritual  death.  Nor 
Rom.  xi.  32,  which  speaks  of  having  mercy  on  all,  that  is,  on  all  that 
believe,  as  in  the  parallel  place.  Gal.  iii.  22.  Nor  Zech.  ix.  11,  for 
these  are  the  words  of  Christ  to  the  Jewish  church,  comforting  them 
in  the  prospect  of  the  favor  that  should  be  shown  them  by  Cyrus, 
and  comparing  their  distressed  situation  in  the  Babylonish  captivity, 
to  the  situation  of  one  in  a  pit,  wherein  was  no  water:  and  it  is  said 
this  deliverance  should  be  wrought  in  virtue  of  the  covenant  made 
in  their  behalf,  which  is  therefore  called  their  covenant.  Nor  Rev. 
XX.  13;  for  this  speaks  of  gathering  them  from  all  quarters  to  the 
general  judgment,  who  in  the  next  verse  are  said  to  be  cast  into  the 
lake  of  fire.  Nor  Heb.  xii.  23 ;  for  here  all  the  saved  are  said  to  be  the 
Jirst  born,  to  denote  their  excellency,  high  privileges,  right  of  priest- 
hood, and  large  inheritance.  Nor  James  i.  18  ;  for  the  first  fruits 
here  means  all  the  saved,  as  in  the  last,  who  are  separated  and  dis- 
tinguished by  grace  from  others,  as  the  first  fruit  was  wont  to  be 
from  the  crop,  and  consecrated  to  God  as  that  was.  Nor  1  Cor.  xv. 
25,  28,  and  Phil.  ii.  10;  Rev.  v.  13;  for  these  are  only  expressive 
of  the  universal  dominion  of  Christ,  and  of  homage  and  adoration 
paid  him  on  that  account.  Nor  Ezek.  xvi.  53,  55 ;  for,  if  Sodom  was 
to  be  restored,  it  must  be  to  its  former  state,  which  was  a  very  bad 
one.  If  restored  should  be  understood  in  an  improper  sense,  then  by 
Sodom  may  be  understood  the  Gentile  nations,  who  were  like  unto 
Sodom  in  practice,  Deut.  xxxii.  32 ;  Isa.  i.  10  ;  Jer.  xxiii.  14 ;  Rev. 
xi.  8 ;  and  Israel,  by  Samaria,  who  shall  be  restored  when  all  the 
JeAvs,  with  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles,  shall  be  brought  in  at  the  time 
of  the  latter  day  glory.     Or  that  when  Sodom  and  Samaria  should 


260  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

return  to  their  former  state,  then  the  Jews  should  to  theirs :  as  much 
as  to  say,  they  never  should,  as  they  never  were.  For,  though  many 
of  them  returned  from  the  Babylonish  captivity,  yet  they  Avere  never 
restored  to  their  former  state  and  glory.  And  besides,  it  is  expressly 
said,  with  respect  to  "  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and  the  cities  about  them," 
that  they  "  are  set  forth  for  an  example,  suffering  the  vengeance  of 
eternal  fire,"  Jude,  verse  7. 

Thus,  brethren,  we  have  cited  the  principal  passages  brought  in 
support  of  this  wild  notion  of  universal  salvation,  and  you  see  how 
little  they  are  to  the  purpose.  Thus  it  is  that  people  in  a  strait  will 
catch  at  any  thing. 

III.  Further,  it  is  not  only  manifest  that  there  is  no  text  to  support 
such  a  notion,  but  that  there  cannot  be  such  a  text.  It  cannot  be 
that  the  Divine  being  has  published  any  thing  that  woidd  be,  not 
only  contrary  to  those  plain  texts,  that  speak  positively  of  the  eternal 
duration  of  future  punishment,  but  that  it  would  also  be  perfectly 
useless,  and  at  the  same  time  dangerous.  If  the  wicked  were  ever  to 
be  released  from  hell,  time  enough  to  let  them  know  it  after  they  get 
there,  and  not  before,  to  encourage  them  in  sin.  To  give  them  so 
much  as  a  hint  of  it  in  this  life,  would  be  exactly  the  same  as  if  the 
Divine  Being,  when  he  prohibited  the  use  of  the  forbidden  tree,  had 
told  Adam,  that  if  he  should  eat  of  that  tree,  he  would  contrive  a 
way  for  his  escape,  of  which  we  know  that  not  the  least  item  was 
given  before  the  fall,  and  indeed  than  which  nothing  could  be  more 
unworthy  the  Divine  Being.  So  that  if  there  was  any  passage  with- 
in the  lids  of  the  Bible  that  gave  information  of  a  release  from  hell, 
we  might  be  sure,  such  a  text  could  never  be  the  word  of  God. 

IV.  We  only  add,  that  if  the  notion  of  restoration  from  hell  was  in 
some  degree  probable,  which  it  is  not,  yet  it  would  be  much  safest  to 
reject  it  altogether  ;  for  if  those  who  place  dependence  on  it  should 
at  last  find  themselves  mistaken,  awful  will  be  the  disappointment. 
On  the  other  hand,  those  who  place  no  dependence  on  it,  but  seek  to 
avoid  future  punishment,  by  placing  their  dependence  on  a  better 
hope,  if  they  should  be  mistaken,  they  will  nevertheless  share  equal 
benefit  with  others. 

Let  us,  therefore,  carefully  avoid  a  notion  so  unscriptural,  so  use- 
less, and  at  the  same  time  so  dangerous.  But,  beloved,  of  you  we 
hope  better  things,  though  we  thus  speak.  We  do  not  apprehend 
much  danger,  but  judge  it  seasonable,  and  that  it  might  be  of  use  to 
give  a  word  of  caution. 

"  Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling,  and  to  present 
you  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory,  with  exceeding  joy,  to 
the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty,  dominion  and 
power,  both  now  and  ever.  Amen.  " 

James  Manning,  Moderator. 
William  Vanhorn,  Clerk. 

N.  B.  The  clerk  takes  the  liberty  of  informing  those  who  wish  to 
see  the  subject  discussed  more  at  large,  that  they  will  find  their  at- 
tention amply  rewarded  by  reading  Edwards  against  Chauncey. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  261 

CIRCULAR  LETTER. 

BY  REV.  BENJAMIN  FOSTER. 

The  messengers,  to  the  churches  of  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Asso- 
ciation, send  Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  Brethren, — We  rejoice  that  the  Father  of  mercies  has 
permitted  us  once  more  to  meet,  in  order  that  we  might  unitedly  pur- 
sue the  promotion  of  that  cause  which  we  believe  is  unspeakably 
precious  to  the  dear  churches  we  have  the  honor  to  represent.  But 
the  success  of  our  feeble  efforts  to  advance  the  important  object  in 
view  depends  wholly  on  the  blessing  of  Him  "who  worketh  all  things 
after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will."  To  Him,  therefore,  we  humbly 
commit  the  concerns  of  Zion  in  general,  and  the  transactions  of  this 
our  meeting  in  particular ;  fervently  beseeching  Him  that  of  his 
abundant  grace  and  mercy  he  would  grant  our  labor  may  not  be  in 
vain  in  the  Lord  ! 

Notwithstanding  the  darkness  and  delusions  of  a  sinful  world,  and 
the  various  imperfections  of  God's  people  in  the  present  state,  blessed 
be  God !  we  are  united  in  the  leading  and  essential  truths  of  divine 
revelation.  And,  therefore,  on  these  important  and  glorious  sub- 
jects, we  can  address  you  with  greater  freedom  and  pleasure.  You 
will  permit  us,  this  year,  to  call  your  attention  to  the  subject  of  Good 
works,  treated  of  in  the  sixteenth  chapter  of  our  excellent  Confession 
of  faith. 

Works  may  be  said  to  be  good  either  in  a  natural,  or  in  a  moral 
or  spiritual  sense.  The  action  or  influence  of  the  sun  on  the  earth 
is  good,  as  a  useful  and  an  important  natural  blessing.  The  movements 
of  a  machine  may  be  denominated  such  on  account  of  the  purposes 
of  convenience  and  profit  answered  by  them.  But  the  actions  which 
are  under  consideration  are  good,  not  merely  on  account  of  natural 
advantages  in  their  tendency,  or  of  which  they  may  be  the  occasion, 
but  on  account  of  their  being  right  in  a  spiritual  sense,  and  proper 
to  be  performed  by  creatures  possessed  of  rational  and  immortal 
souls ;  and  who  are  the  subjects  of  obligations  to  God,  and  created 
intelligences  in  the  moral  world  which  can  never  be  dissolved ;  and 
who  enjoy  the  means  of  information  respecting  their  duty  and  their 
everlasting  welfare ;  and  who  must  give  an  account  of  the  deeds  done 
in  the  body,  whether  they  be  good  or  whether  they  be  evil. 

Actions  which  are  good  in  this  sense  are  such  as  are  agreeable  to 
the  will  of  God  revealed  in  his  word.  The  action  performed,  the 
temper  exercised,  and  the  motives  by  which  men  are  actuated  in  con- 
duct of  this  nature  are  required  by  God  in  the  holy  scriptures. 

The  thing  done  may  answer  to  the  letter  of  the  requisition,  or 
be  what  is  expressed  in  the  command;  but  the  action  may  not  be 
pleasing  in  the  sight  of  God  on  account  of  a  deficiency  in  temper, 
motive  or  design.  The  action  as  good  must  be  intended,  the  authority 
of  him  who  enjoins  the  action  must  be  respected,  and  the  end  pro- 
posed by  Infinite  Wisdom  and  Goodness  must  bo  presumed,  or  there 
will  not  be  a  compliance  with  the  spirit  of  the  command. 

An  intelligent  creature  may  not  only  comply  with  a  divine  precept 


262  MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

SO  far  as  it  respects  wliat  is  external,  but  do  that  which  is  highly  be- 
neficial, and  yet  there  may  be  a  material  deficiency  in  the  action. 
Good  may  be  done  in  a  natural  respect,  and  the  action  notwithstand- 
ing may  not  be  good  in  a  spiritual  respect,  though  performed  by  one 
possessed  of  rational  powers  of  mind.  "  Though  I  bestow  all  my 
goods  to  feed  the  poor  ;  and  though  I  give  my  body  to  be  burned, 
and  have  not  charity,  (that  is  true  love  to  God  and  man,)  it  profiteth 
me  nothing,"  1  Cor.  xiii.  3. 

Good  works  are  the  performances  of  those  who  are  good.  Good- 
ness must  first  exist,  in  some  measure,  in  the  state  of  the  soul  before 
it  can  be  expressed  in  life  and  conversation.  Persons  wholly  under 
the  dominion  of  sin,  as  is  the  case  with  all  the  unconverted,  are 
totally  incapacitated  on  account  of  the  fixed  opposition  of  their  minds 
to  the  truth,  to  perform  actions  right  and  pleasing  in  the  sight  of 
God.  As  the  tree  must  be  made  good  before  the  fruit  will  be  good : 
so  the  nature  of  man  must  be  renewed  by  divine  grace,  in  order  that 
the  fruit  may  be  unto  holiness,  and  the  end  everlasting  life.  To  sup- 
pose that  one  under  the  influence  of  a  carnal  mind,  and  in  a  state  of 
unbelief,  may,  while  he  continues  in  this  state,  perform  actions  truly 
good,  is  to  suppose  what  is  unreasonable  m  itself,  and  expressly  con- 
tradicted by  the  word  of  truth,  which  informs  us,  that  they  who  are 
in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God  ;  and  that  without  faith  it  is  impossible 
to  please  him. 

Jehovah  is  the  great  and  all-important  object  in  the  performance 
of  good  works.  The  Christian  directs  and  finishes  his  course  under 
the  influence  of  an  approving  and  pleasing  belief  of  what  God  is, 
and  what  he  has  done.  The  high  estimation  that  his  soul  possesses 
of  the  excellencies  and  glories  of  the  Deity,  in  his  attributes,  works, 
and  designs,  is  expressed  in  every  work  of  faith,  and  in  all  his  labor 
of  love.  The  life  that  he  lives  of  the  flesh,  he  lives  by  faith  in  the 
Son  of  God ;  by  whose  gospel  he  is  efi"ectual]y  taught  to  deny  un- 
godliness and  every  worldly  lust,  and  to  live  soberly,  righteously,  and 
godly  in  this  present  world.  The  beauties  of  the  divine  character 
exhibited  in  the  great  atonement,  and  impressed  on  the  believer's 
mind,  lay  him  under  a  willing  constraint  to  shun  the  paths  of  vice, 
and  to  be  found  in  the  ways  of  justice,  mercy,  and  truth.  Though 
in  the  performance  of  good  works,  he  is  not  wholly  divested  of  a  re- 
gard to  self,  yet  he  is  not  merely  influenced  by  a  selfish  gratitude 
arising  from  reflections  on  the  reception  of  past  favors,  by  fond  ex- 
pectations of  future  enjoyments,  or  by  a  slavish  fear  of  approaching 
wrath :  but  mainly  by  the  noble  principle  of  love  to  the  blessed  God 
on  account  of  his  spotless  purity,  and  the  unchanging  holiness  of  his 
nature.  Is  the  Christian  attending  to  the  civil  aff'airs  of  life,  en- 
gaged in  the  sacred  duties  of  devotion,  or  employed  in  acts  of  bene- 
ficence and  compassion,  he  does  all  to  the  glory  of  God.  The 
believer,  as  far  as  his  actions  answer  to  the  will  of  heaven,  directs  his 
attention  to  the  greatest  possible  good,  as  he  pursues  the  divine  glory, 
and  in  subordination  to  this,  his  own  happiness  in  connection  with 
the  good  of  others.     But  alas  !  when  we  review  the  best  actions  of 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  263 

our  lives,  we  find  a  sad  deficiency  in  these  respects,  in  the  perform- 
ance :  and  after  attending  to  the  most  mispotted  characters  in  the 
Christian  world,  we  must  undoubtedly  conclude,  that  there  is  none 
doeth  good  and  sinneth  not. 

Good  works  are  by  no  means  the  foundation  of  our  acceptance  or 
justification  in  the  sight  of  God.  Nothing  that  we  ever  have  done, 
and  nothing  possible  for  us  ever  to  perform,  will  have  the  least  con- 
cern or  weight  in  the  important  affair  of  our  acquittal  from  guilt,  and 
acceptance  as  righteous  before  the  tribunal  of  a  holy  God.  Nothing 
on  earth  or  in  heaven  can  be  found  to  answer  this  glorious  purpose 
but  the  finished  righteousness,  and  the  atoning  death  of  the  great 
Immanuel,  God  with  us. 

It  is  equally  true,  and  may  as  evidently  be  deduced  from  the  word 
of  truth,  that  foreseen  good  works  are  not  the  cause  of  our  election 
to  salvation.  One  end  of  our  election  was  to  bring  us  to  the  love  and 
practice  of  holiness  :  and,  therefore,  good  works,  or  holiness  of  life, 
could  not  have  been  the  reason  of  the  eternal  purpose  to  recover  us 
to  the  divine  image  and  favor.  The  purpose  of  election  stands  "not 
of  works,  but  of  him  who  calleth,"  Rom.  ix.  11.  All  the  graces  of 
the  Spirit,  and  all  our  acts  of  true  religion  and  virtue,  are  to  be  con- 
sidered as  eftects  of  the  unconditional  and  eternal  counsel  of  God  in 
Christ. 

And,  permit  us,  dear  brethren,  further  to  add,  that  the  same  reasons, 
in  effect,  forbid  us  to  suppose  that  good  works  are  the  condition  of 
our  regeneration  or  of  our  being  called  out  of  darkness  into  marvellous 
light.  If  we  are  so  happy  as  to  be  the  subject  of  this  glorious 
change,  not  a  tribute  of  praise  is  to  be  ascribed  to  ourselves ;  but  all 
the  glory  is  to  be  given  to  God,  "who  hath  saved  us,  and  called  us  with 
an  holy  calling,  not  according  to  our  works,  but  according  to  his  own 
purpose  and  grace,  which  was  given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world 
began,"  2  Tim.  i.  9. 

Notwithstanding  our  salvation  is  not  by  works  of  righteousness 
which  we  have  done,  nor  our  regeneration  and  effectual  calling  on 
account  of  any  previous  goodness  of  temper  or  conduct  in  us ;  yet 
we  are  to  consider  that  those  who  are  renewed  are  the  subjects  of  an 
alteration  in  the  state  of  their  minds  from  sin  to  holiness :  and  that 
this  moral  change  will  be  attended,  as  opportunity  may  be  given  for 
action,  with  holiness  of  life  and  conversation.  A  renewed  mind  in- 
cludes a  temper  of  love  to  the  moral  character  of  Jehovah.  And  as 
the  divine  law,  or  the  moral  rule  given  by  God  to  his  creature  man,  is 
with  propriety  considered  as  a  transcript  of  this  character,  there  will 
be  the  same  freedom  in  the  Christian  to  yield  subjection  to  this  holy 
law,  in  its  sacred  and  various  injunctions,  as  to  love  the  divine  image, 
or  to  be  truly  pleased  with  the  beauties  of  holiness  in  the  face  of 
Jesus  Christ.  Those  who,  by  divine  grace,  imbibe  the  genuine  spirit 
of  Christianity,  will  pay  a  sacred  respect  to  all  God's  holy  commands. 

It  becomes  the  disciples  of  Jesus  not  merely  to  avoid  the  neglect 
of  the  express  precepts  of  their  divine  Lord;  but  to  be  ready  to 
every  good  work.    Though  they  cannot  be  profitable  to  their  Maker, 


264  MINUTES   OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

or  add  to  his  essential  glories ;  yet  tliey  may  and  ought  to  be  pro- 
fitable to  themselves,  and  a  blessing  to  their  fellow  creatures.  He 
who,  regardless  of  his  own  improvements  in  the  divine  life,  and  un- 
concerned about  the  good  of  others,  seeks  only  to  shun  the  reproofs 
of  conscience,  gives  us  reason  to  doubt  his  acquaintance  with  true 
religion. 

AVe  are  not  only  to  engage,  but  to  persevere  in  the  performance  of 
good  works.  Those  who  have  never  experienced  a  real  and  genuine 
work  of  God  upon  their  souls,  may,  from  selfish  motives,  perform  the 
externals  of  duty  for  a  while :  but  when  the  floods  come,  and  the 
winds  of  temptation  blow  and  beat  on  the  house,  then  it  appears  to 
have  had  its  foundation  in  the  sand.  But  as  true  believers  have  the 
seed  of  God  abiding  in  them,  they  are  those  who,  by  perseverance  in 
the  ways  of  righteousness  and  truth,  will  renew  their  strength,  brave 
every  storm,  and  bafile  every  hostile  attempt,  till  they  finish  their 
heavenly  course  with  complete  and  eternal  joy. 

Dearly  beloved,  let  us  urge  the  importance  of  good  works,  and 
endeavor  to  excite  you  to  a  faithful  and  diligent  performance  of  them, 
from  the  following  considerations. 

Remember,  they  are  the  duties  you  owe  to  God — to  that  Being  who 
is  infinitely  great  and  infinitely  good ;  the  creator  and  preserver  of 
all  things,  the  former  of  your  bodies,  and  the  Father  of  your  spirits ; 
and  who  stands  in  a  relation  to  you  which  no  alteration  of  circum- 
stances, in  time  or  through  eternity,  can  possibly  dissolve. 

Consider  that  in  this  way  you  will  be  the  followers  of  God  as  dear 
children.  Your  heavenly  Father  is  universal,  unremitted,  and  eter- 
nal in  the  operations  of  his  goodness.  He  acts  for  the  noblest  end, 
as  he  has  made  all  thino-s  for  himself.  His  works  are  done  in  righte- 
ousness  and  truth.  Without  upbraiding,  and  in  a  rich  profusion  he 
bestows  the  blessings  of  his  providence,  and  gives  the  enjoyments  of 
his  grace.  And  you  are  directed  by  the  great  Head  of  the  church 
to  abound  in  works  of  goodness  and  love,  "  that  ye  may  be  the  chil- 
dren of  your  Father  who  is  in  heaven :  for  he  maketh  his  sun  to  rise 
on  the  evil  and  on  the  good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the 
unjust,"  Matt.  v.  45. 

What  a  powerful  motive  to  excite  you  to  the  performance  of  good 
works,  is  the  conduct  of  Him  who  was  made  flesh  and  dwelt  among 
us  !  He  went  about  doing  good,  attending  to  the  business  of  his 
Father,  and  improving  in  the  best  manner  the  golden  moments  of 
time.  "  I  must  work,"  says  he,  "  the  works  of  him  that  sent  me  while 
it  is  day:  the  night  cometh  when  no  man  can  work,"  John  ix.  4. 
And  is  it  possible  that  those  who  love  his  person,  possess  his  temper, 
feel  the  power  of  his  divine  religion,  and  have  enlisted  under  him  as  the 
Captain  of  their  salvation,  should  ever  live  uninfluenced  by  so  bright 
and  perfect  an  example,  or  fail  to  follow  him  wheresoever  he  goeth ! 

How  much  to  induce  us  to  works  of  virtue,  piety,  and  mercy,  from 
reflections  on  the  unmerited  and  unbounded  goodness  of  God  to- 
wards us  !  How  great  the  designs  of  God's  love  in  the  covenant  of 
redemption,  made  by  the  eternal  Three-in-One  before  the  foundation 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  265 

of  the  •world !  How  wonderful  is  his  mercy  in  the  gift  of  his  dear  Son  as 
the  infinite  price  of  our  release  from  eternal  ruin.  How  astonishing 
his  compassion  in  saving  us  from  sin  and  hell,  and  giving  us  a  title  to 
a  crown  of  immortal  glory !  And  can  the  objects  of  eternal  love, 
and  the  subjects  of  such  marvellous  grace  be  indifferent  to  the  service 
of  the  great  Benefactor  of  their  perishing  and  sinful  souls  !  Has  God 
done  such  great  things  for  us,  and  shall  we  fail  to  do  the  little  we 
can  for  him  ?  Has  he  in  fact  done  all  things  for  us,  and  is  not 
something  to  be  done  by  us,  in  a  way  in  which  he  will  consider  it  as 
done  unto  himself?  Would  not  a  thousand  lives  spent  in  his  service, 
and  a  thousand  deaths  suffered  in  his  cause,  be  but  a  small  testimony 
of  gratitude  and  love  for  his  undeserved  and  matchless  grace  in  the 
eternal  salvation  of  one  poor  sinner,  bound  to  unutterable  woe  ? 

Is  it  not  the  habitual  desire,  and  the  fervent  wish  of  your  souls  to 
recommend  the  religion  of  Jesus,  and  to  promote  the  declarative 
glory  of  God  ?  In  this  way  they  will  be  effected ;  by  such  a  line  of 
conduct  you  will  find  an  answer  to  the  devout  exercises  of  your  own 
minds.  "  Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they  may  see 
youi'  good  works  and  glorify  your  Father  who  is  in  heaven,"  Matt. 
V.  16. 

To  these  things,  dear  brethren,  you  will  attend  if  you  are  in  the 
pursuit  of  real  advantage,  of  substantial  good  to  yourselves.  For 
in  keeping  God's  commands  there  is  great  reward.  A  cheerful  com- 
pliance with  the  divine  will,  a  tender  regard  to  the  dictates  of  con- 
science and  the  voice  of  reason,  and  the  performance  of  whatever 
may  promote  and  honor  religion,  and  conduce  to  make  ourselves  and 
others  happy,  in  time  and  through  eternity,  will  be  attended  with 
that  peace  and  comfort  which  the  world  never  did,  and  never  can 
give.  As  you  would  wish  to  enjoy  the  blessings  of  God's  kingdom, 
seek  ever  to  be  found  in  these  paths  of  wisdom.  For  her  ways  are 
ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths  are  peace.  He  who  walketh 
uprightly  walketh  safely.  The  more  diligent  you  are  in  works  of 
piety  and  mercy,  the  greater  reason  you  have  to  expect  that  God  will 
confirm  your  minds  in  the  truth,  support  you  in  the  day  of  trial,  in- 
crease your  graces,  establish  your  hopes,  and  in  the  end  render  your 
conquest  and  triumph  complete  over  all  your  spiritual  and  powerful 
enemies.  Then  on  the  brink  of  death,  and  the  invisible  world  brought 
near  to  view,  in  the  exulting  language  of  a  Paul,  each  one  of  you 
may  say,  "  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course,  I 
have  kept  the  faith :  henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of 
righteousness  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  at 
that  day,"  2  Tim.  iv.  7,  8. 

When  addressing  the  churches  of  Jesus  Christ  on  the  duties  of 
their  holy  profession,  we  trust,  beloved,  you  will  not  be  offended  if 
we  conclude  the  subject  by  exhorting  you  to  the  performance  of  them 
in  a  few  particulars.  If  the  works  of  Christian  churches  be  not 
found  perfect  before  God,  but  be  attended  to  with  partiality  and 
sloth,  how  does  the  enemy  blaspheme,  and  how  deeply  wounded  is 
the  blessed  Jesus  in  the  house  of  his  friends  !    You  expect  that  your 

U 


266  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

ministers, — and  undoubtedly  you  may  with  propriety, — will  be  diligent 
in  every  good  woi-k  wliich  belongs  to  their  pastoral  office,  and  con- 
cerns your  spiritual  and  eternal  welfare.  If  they  should  be  found 
negligent  and  unfaithful,  how  great  their  guilt,  and  how  dreadful 
their  doom  when  the  blood  of  immortal  souls  shall  be  required  of 
them  by  their  angry  Judge  !  It  certainly  much  concerns  them  well 
to  improve  their  time,  to  study  to  show  themselves  approved  work- 
men, who  need  not  to  be  ashamed  before  God,  angels,  and  men,  when 
the  books  shall  be  opened,  and  the  judgment  fixed.  They  are  to 
watch  for  souls  as  those  who  must  give  an  account.  But  in  return, 
you  must  consider  it  as  your  incumbent  duty  to  strengthen  their 
hands  for  this  good  work,  by  affording  them  a  competent  supply  of  the 
necessaries  and  conveniences  of  life.  For  if  they  have  sown  unto 
you  spiritual  things,  is  it  a  great  thing  if  they  should  reap  your  car- 
nal things  ?  And  has  not  your  dear  Lord  ordained,  that  they  who 
preach  the  gospel  should  live  of  the  gospel  ?  And  can  it  be  said 
that  you  have  diligently  followed  every  good  work,  if  you  suffer  your 
ministers  to  live  in  indigence,  and  their  minds  to  be  perplexed,  for 
want  of  those  enjoyments  of  which  God  has  granted  you  a  rich  svip- 
ply  ?  Provide  houses  decent  and  convenient  for  the  public  worship 
of  God.  Is  it  fit  for  the  servants  of  the  most  High  to  dwell  in  their 
ceiled  houses,  and  to  let  the  house  where  his  honor  dwells,  and 
where  his  adorable  Majesty  is  addressed,  to  lie  waste  ?  Pay  proper 
attention  to  the  poor  ;  but  especially  endeavor  to  relieve  the  wants 
of  your  needy  brethren  and  sisters.  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than 
to  receive ;  for  they  who  give  to  the  poor,  lend  unto  the  Lord.  En- 
courage family  order  and  government,  and  make  your  habitations 
houses  of  prayer.  Let  not  the  duties  of  the  closet  be  neglected  :  but  in 
those  places  of  retirement  be  statedly  found,  in  order  to  pray  to  your 
heavenly  Father  in  secret ;  and  your  Father,  who  seeth  in  secret,  will  re- 
ward you  openly.  Forsake  not  the  assembling  of  yourselves  together, 
as  the  manner  of  some  is :  but  continue  in  the  apostles'  doctrine,  in 
fellowship,  in  breaking  of  bread  and  in  prayers.  Let  proper  discij^line 
be  attended  to,  and  supported :  let  the  respective  members  keep  their 
places,  and  highly  respect  the  authority  of  Christ  in  the  churches. 
Be  at  peace  among  yourselves ;  warn  them  that  are  unruly ;  comfort 
the  feeble  minded ;  support  the  weak ;  and  be  patient  to  all  men. 
And  blessed  indeed  is  that  servant  whom  his  Lord,  when  he  cometh, 
shall  find  so  doing  ! 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


26T 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS   AT   THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
THE  STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  FOR  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

■6 

13 

1 

■i 

1 

1 

C9 
P3 

1 

0 

1 

1  »< 

2 

1 

0 

67 

Lower  Dublin, 

Samuel  Jones, 

1 

Middletown, 

Samuel  Morgan, 

8 

1 

0 

0 

0 

3 

140 

Piscataqua, 
Cohansie, 

Reune  Runyan, 

Henry  Smalley, 

1 

23 

1 

0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

1 

4 

148 

109 

Providence  Ludlam, 

Welsh  Tract,! 

John  Boggs,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

104 

Great  Valley 
Cape  May, 

0 
4 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

4 

86 

John  Stancliff,* 

1 

0 

5 

2 

61 

1 

Oliver  Hart, 

Hopewell,                  -! 

James  Eicen, 

1 

James  Hunt, 

3 

4 

5 

0 

0 

1 

165 

Brandywine, 

Abel  Griffiths, 

7 

1 

2 

0 

0 

0 

43 

Montgomery, 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

25 

Tulpehokin,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Kingwood,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

180 

Peter  Wilson, 

Haight's  Town, 

Alexander  McGowan, 

Peter  Jobs, 

18 

3 

7 

0 

1 

5 

248 

Southampton, 

David  Jones, 
Benjamin  Bennet, 

1 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

53 

Philadelphia, 

Thomas  Ustick, 
Samuel  Davies,  jr.,* 

'  William  Vanhorn, 

5 

2 

6 

1 

1 

0 

105 

Scotch  Plains, 

Jacob  Fitz  Randolph, 
Marmaduke  Earle, 

_  Joseph  Drake, 

4 

2 

4 

0 

1 

2 

136 

Oyster  Bay, 
Mori-istown, 

0 
10 

0 
0 

0 

2 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

25 
91 

Michael  Parce, 

Knowlton, 

Daniel  Vaughan,* 

2 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

43 

Hartford, t 

John  Davies,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

120 

New  Britain,! 

Joshua  Jones,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

21 

Salem 

28 

0 

0 
12 

0 

0 

0 

59 

Wantage,  late  New-  ] 
town,                        J 

Silas  Southworth,* 

8 

1 

0 

2 

1 

66 

Dividing  Creek,f 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

41 

'Benjamin  Foster, 

\J 

Samuel  Dodge, 

1.  New  TorK, 

Abraham  Cannon, 
William  Norris, 
Ezekiel  Robins, 

JolmBedient, 

22 

0 

21 

0 

2 

3 

192 

New  Mills, 
Konoloway,t 

5 
0 

0 
0 

14 
0 

0 
0 

0 

2 

891 

Joseph  Powel,* 

0 

0 

0 

268 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


CHURCHES. 

MIXISTERS  AXD  MESSENGERS. 

J 

•a 

g 

o 

a 

P 

i^ 

5 

1 

P4 

fi 

Coram, 

Upper  Freehold, 

0 
17 

0 
2 

0 
1 

0 
0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

30 

74 

(  Joseph  Stephens, 
1  Edward  Taylor, 

Mount  Bethel,! 

Abner  Sutton,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

101 

Warwick, 
Lyon's  Farms, 

'  Thomas  Montanye, 
_  John  3L  Foght, 
Abij  ah  Whitney, 
^  Thomas  D.  Madam, 

8 
0 

3 
1 

3 
0 

1 

0 

5 

0 

2 
0 

194 
16 

<  Aaron  Ball, 
(  Michael  Law, 

Philip's  Patent,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Pittsgrove, 
Manahawkin,f 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

Vincent, 
Tuckahoe,! 

2.  New  York, 

1 

0 
3 

0 
0 

18 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

2 
0 

0 

22 
0 

32 

Isaac  Bunnel,* 
f 

■I  Francis  Vandyke, 
(Joseph  Stout, 

Stamford, 
King  Street, 

1  Ebenezer  Ferris, 
( Elijah  Huntei', 
f 

5 
33 

0 
5 

2 
16 

0 
0 

0 
3 

1 

2 

72 
36 

I  Benjamin  Sutton, 

Cow  Marsh,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

23 

London  Tract, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

34 

Hilltown, 

J.  M'Laughlix, 

12 

1 

10 

0 

0 

2 

99 

Lower  Smithfield, 

David  Jatne, 

0 

2 

2 

0 

1 

2 

26 

Baltimore, 

Lewis  Richards,* 

3 

4 

0 

0 

1 

1 

53 

Duck  Creek,! 

John  Patton,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

63 

Wilmington, 

Thomas  Ainger, 

0 

0 

2 

0 

1 

1 

45 

Canoe  Brook, 
Jacob's  Town, 

07 

1 

0 

1 
3 

0 
0 

1 

0 

0 
0 

62 
60 

1  BuRGiss  Allison, 
\  William  Snowden, 

1 

Staten  Island, 

C  Elkana  Holmes, 
<  Anthony  Fountain, 
(  Nicholas  Cox, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

Pittstown,! 

James  Finn,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

Marcus  Hook, 

Eliphaz  Dazey,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

18 

Roxbury, 

Curtis  Gilbert, 

4 

2 

1 

0 

0 

0 

39 

Falls  Township, 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

17 

264 

56 

117 

3 

28 

42 

3587 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers  in 
italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  churches  marked  thus  ! 
we  received  no  letter.     A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES    OP   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


269 


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MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD   IN  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  4tH,  5tH,  AND  6tH, 

1791. 


October  4th. — At  3  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Rev.  Oliver  Hart  delivered  the 
introductory  sermon,  from  2  Chron.  xxix.  35,  "  So  the  service  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord  was  set  in  order." 

2.  After  worship,  proceeded  to  business.  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Jones  was 
chosen  moderator,  and  Rev.  John  Stancliff,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  thirty-three  churches  were  read. 
Adjourned  to  half  past  eight  to-morrow  morning. 
October  5th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

1.  Whereas  a  difficulty  respecting  the  second  church  in  New  York 
was  brought  before  us,  we  wish  a  mutual  council  may  be  called  to 
settle  the  matter. 

2.  The  new  constituted  church  at  Sideling  Hill,  Belfast  township, 
Bedford  county,  made  application  for  admittance  into  this  Associa- 
tion; but  an  objection  arising,  in  consequence  of  a  letter  sent  by 
Brother  Powell,  their  admission  was  postponed  until  next  meeting  of 
Association,  when  the  objectors  will  have  opportunity  to  show  their 
reasons,  why  the  request  of  said  church  should  not  be  granted. 

3.  Letters  from  the  corresponding  Association  of  Stonington, 
Shaftsbury,  and  Danbury,  were  received  and  read.  Brother  Van- 
horn  was  appointed  to  write  to  the  Stonington ;  Brother  Bryant, 
to  the  Shaftsbury ;  and  Brother  Allison,  to  the  Danbury  Association. 

4.  A  copy  of  a  neat  quarto  Bible,  of  Mr.  Collin's  impression,  was 
laid  before  the  Association  by  Dr.  Rogers,  which  was  highly  ap- 
proved of;  and  as  the  subscriptions  for  the  same  will  continue  open 
till  the  1st  of  January  next,  at  four  dollars  each,  it  is  hereby  recom- 
mended to  the  several  churches  and  individuals  of  our  body  to  patro- 
nize so  laudable  an  undertaking;. 

5.  Query  from  the  church  at  Great  Valley :  What  steps  ought  a 
church  to  take  in  respect  of  a  member,  who  hath  married  the  son  of 
a  former  husband's  sister? 

Referred  to  the  next  Association. 

6.  Doctor  Rogers  read  a  paragraph  of  a  letter  from  the  Rev. 
Abraham  Booth,  of  London,  directed  to  himself,  in  which  was  inti- 
mated the  expediency  of  our  reconsidering  the  decision  of  this  Asso- 

(270) 


£ 

.5. 

d. 

£ 

5 

d. 

1 

19 

1 

Haiglit's  Town, 

2 

0 

0 

1 

2 

6 

Scotch  Plains, 

1 

0 

0 

3 

5 

5 

Morristown, 

0 

15 

0 

MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATIOll^.  271 

ciation,  In  1788,  respecting  "the  invalidity  of  Baptism  "when 
administered  by  an  unbaptized  person." 

Agreed  to  refer  it  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  Association. 

7.  The  circular  letter  was  read.  Our  Brethren  Ustick  and  Allison 
■were  desired  to  revise  the  same,  in  conjunction  "with  the  author, 
Brother  Vanhorn. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

1.  Met  according  to  adjournment. — The  churches  at  Scotch 
Plains,  Canoe  Brook,  Piscataqua,  and  Morristown,  requested  liberty 
to  join  an  Association  at  New  York,  should  they  think  proper.  Their 
request  was  granted ;  and  they  will  be  considered  as  dismissed  from 
us,  when  received  by  them. 

2.  Supplies  were  granted  to  the  following  destitute  churches : — 
At  Great  Valley,  Dividing  Creek,  and  Kingwood. 

3.  The  collections,  agreeably  to  last  year's  recommendation,  were 
as  follows : 

Lower  Dublin, 

Cohansie, 

Philadelphia, 

In  all  £10  3s.  Od. 

Agreed  to  return  this  sum  to  those  churches,  as  the  necessity  for 
the  same  has  ceased. 

4.  Doctor  Samuel  Jones,  our  treasurer,  stated,  that  he  had  funded 
the  two  small  certificates  belonging  to  the  Association,  with  his  own, 
and  meant  to  be  accountable  for  their  value ; — six  per  cents,  at  20s. 
and  6d. ;  three  per  cents,  at  lis.  4d. ;  deferred,  12s.  2d.  The  reason 
for  his  conduct  was  approved. 

5.  Resolved,  That  the  Bev.  Samuel  Jones,  the  Rev.  Morgan  Ed- 
wards, Samuel  Miles,  Esq.,  Thomas  Shields,  Esq.,  Rev.  Dr.  William 
Rogers,  Rev.  Burgiss  Allison,  and  Rev.  Thomas  Ustick,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  effectuate  the  incorporation  of  the  Association  by  charter. 

6.  Agreeably  to  the  report  of  the  committee,  the  circular  letter, 
composed  by  Brother  Vanhorn,  was  approved. 

7.  Voted,  That  the  money  raised  last  year,  remaining  in  the 
treasurer's  hands,  be  allowed,  on  the  usual  terms,  to  Brother  David 
Stout,  who  is  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  and  a  member  of  the 
church  at  Kingwood. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Rev.  Reune  Runyan  preached  in  the  evening,  from  Rom.  iii.  24. 

October  6th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjourment. 

1.  The  letters  to  the  Stonington,  Shaftsbury,  and  Danbury  Asso- 
ciations, were  read  and  approved. 

2.  Doctor  Rogers  is  desired  to  write  to  Ketockton,  Brother  Van- 
horn, to  Warren,  and  Brother  Hart,  to  Charleston  Association. 

3.  During  the  past  year  two  of  our  brethren  in  the  ministry  were 
removed  by  death,  viz.,  Rev.  John  Thomas,  of  Hilltown,  Bucks 
county,  aged  seventy-nine  years,  and  Rev.  Abner  Sutton,  of  Mount 
Bethel,  Kew  Jersey,  aged  forty-six  years. 


9  7 -2 


MIXUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATIOX. 


4.  Doctor  Jones  is  requested  to  prepare  an  abstract,  from  the 
proceedings  of  this  Association,  of  those  particulars  which  are  most 
material  and  important,  against  next  meeting  of  the  Association, 

5.  The  Association  to  be  held  next  year  at  Philadelphia,  on  the 
first  Tuesday  in  October.  Kev.  William  Yanhorn  is  appointed  to 
preach  the  introductory  sermon  ;  and  in  case  of  failui'e,  Rev,  Dr. 
William  Rogers. 

6.  Rev.  Joshua  Jones  is  appointed  to  write  the  cii'cular  letter  for 
next  year, 

7.  Brother  Ustic  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
minutes,  and  to  forward  them  to  the  several  churches  and  Asso- 
ciations. 

Sermon  in  the  evening,  by  Rev.  John  Boggs,  from  Matt.  xxii.  29. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  REV.  WILLIAM    TAXHORX. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  churches  met  in  Asso- 
ciation in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  October  4th,  1791. 

To  the  churches  in  union  with  this  Association,  send  greeting. 

Beloved  brethren, — We  are  happy  at  the  close  of  this  anniversary 
meeting,  to  inform  you,  we  have  enjoyed  an  agreeable  interview.  By 
communications  from  the  churches,  we  rejoice  to  hear  that  peace  is 
enjoyed  so  generally,  and  that  to  many  of  them  considerable  addi- 
tions have  been  made.  It  is  matter  of  much  satisfaction,  that,  in 
this  day  of  prevailing  error,  there  appears  amongst  you  so  general  a 
concern  for  the  preservation  of  divine  truth.  From  corresponding 
Associations  we  have  received  very  agreeable  intelligence.  On  the 
s^hole,  we  have  been  called  upon  to  very  gi-ateful  acknowledg- 
ments for  the  goodness  and  grace  of  God  manifested  the  year 
past.  But  our  joys  abate,  while  we  reflect  on  the  heavy  tidings  so 
generally  mentioned  in  your  letters,  of  the  death  of  our  highly 
esteemed  and  dearly  beloved  Brother,  Dr.  Maxxixg  ;  who,  engaged 
in  the  dearest  interests  of  rehgion,  of  science,  and  the  prosperity  of 
his  country,  fell  from  the  zenith  of  glory  and  usefulness.  In  the 
general  loss  we  sustain  an  important  part.  Xo  longer  shall  we  en- 
joy his  able  counsels,  his  divine  and  persuasive  eloquence,  nor  his 
personal  friendship.  But  while  we  trust  he  fell,  to  rise  to  higher,  to 
celestial  glories,  and  joys  imspeakable,  resignation  becomes  us.  May 
the  Lord  sanctify  to  the  chui'ches  and  ministers  of  Christ,  the  awful 
stroke ;  enable  us  to  feel,  and  faithfully  discharge,  the  duties  devolv- 
ing on  us,  and  imitate  his  amiable  example. 

The  subject  on  which  we  are  now  to  address  yoti,  brethren,  is,  the 
Perseverance  of  the  saints  in  grace,  till  it  shall  be  consummated  in 
glory.   Confession  of  faith.  Chap.  XVII. 

A  doctrine  which  forms  an  important  article  in  the  system  of  divine 
truth,  and  of  which  Revelation  abounds  with  evidence ;  a  sentiment 
calculated  to  administer  the  truest  spiritual  support  to  the  real 
Christian,  to  influence  him  to  the  warmest  zeal  for  God,  and  holiness 
of  life. 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  273 

In  treating  on  this  subject,  in  an  epistolary  way,  it  will  not  ha  ex- 
pected to  enter  at  large  on  Avhat  might  be  said  on  it,  nor  formally  to 
encounter  all  the  unreasonable  objections  which  have  been  raised 
against  it.  To  convince  you  of  this  truth,  we  trust,  dear  brethren,  there 
is  no  necessity.  To  quicken  your  graces,  and  awaken  your  gratitude, 
for  so  divine  a  support  in  your  Christian  race,  is  chiefly  intended. 

By  asserting  the  perseverance  of  the  saints  in  grace,  we  do  not  mean 
to  convey  an  idea,  that  through  the  various  and  powerful  opposition. . 
with  which  they  are  beset  in  this  state  of  spiritual  warfare,  none  of 
them  may  fall  into  sin,  be  overtaken  in  transgression,  to  the  wound- 
ing of  their  own  souls,  the  tenderest  feelings  of  their  brethren,  the 
churches  of  Christ,  the  interests  of  religion  in  general,  and  the  dis- 
pleasure of  God, — but,  that  through  this  unspeakable  grace  and 
mercy  he  will  not  suffer  them  so  to  fall,  and  continue  therein,  as 
totally  and  finally  to  perish.  He  will,  by  sore  chastisements,  or  such 
other  means  as,  in  his  wisdom  shall  seem  best,  bring  them  to  an 
affecting  sense  of  their  sins,  to  genuine  repentance  for  them,  and  deep 
humiliation  before  him, — as  in  the  instances  of  Peter,  David,  and 
others, — and  restore  them.  "  If  his  children  forsake  my  law,  and 
walk  not  in  my  judgments ;  if  they  break  my  statutes,  and  keep  not 
my  commandments  :  then  will  I  visit  their  transgression  with  the  rod, 
and  their  iniquity  with  stripes.    Nevertheless,  my  loving  kindness  will 

1  not  utterly  take  from  him,  nor  suffer  my  faithfulness  to  fail.  My 
covenant  will  I  not  break,  nor  alter  the  thing  that  is  gone  out  of  my 
lips."  Psalm  Ixxxix.  30-34. 

We  exclude,  in  the  consideration  of  this  subject,  all  false  pro- 
fessors of  religion,  of  every  description,  whatever  may  be  their  at- 
tainments, as  in  the  grace  of  knowledge,  talents,  or  tongues,  and 
power  of  working  miracles,  who.  nevertheless,  are,  and  continue  desti- 
tute of  the  renewing  grace  of  God.  Hence,  those  who  have  made  a 
fair  show  in  religion  for  a  time,  as  the  foolish  margins.  Matt.  xxv. 
The  branches  who  were  in  the  true  vine,  either  by  profession  only, 
or  in  relation  to  Abraham,  .John  xv.  Those,  who  in  a  sense  may  have 
tasted  of  the  good  word  of  God,  as  the  stony  ground  hearers,  Matt, 
xiii. ;  or,  as  Herod,  who  heard  .John  gladly.  Matt.  vi.  20.  Those  who 
may  have  embraced  the  doctrine  of  the  gospel,  frequently  styled 
*'  The  Faith,"  in  the  New  Testament,  Acts  xxiv.  24 ;  1  Tim.  i.  21 ; 

2  Tim.  iii.  8;  as  Hymeneus  and  Alexander,  who  in  time  made  ship- 
wreck thereof,  1  Tim.  i.  20.  Those  who  have  been  enlightened,  and 
had  the  gift  of  prophecy,  as  Balaam,  1  Cor.  xiii.  2 ;  or  who  had  the 
gift  of  tongues — power  to  work  miracles,  and,  as  such,  tasted  of  the 
powers  of  the  world  to  come,  or  of  the  gospel  dispensation,  as  .Judas, 
Heb.  vL  0, — all  such  we  exclude, — of  all  such  there  Is  no  .sufficient 
evidence,  that  any  of  them  were  renewed  by  the  grace  of  God,  but 
of  many  of  them  the  fullest  testimony  they  were  not.  We,  therefore, 
cannot  plead  their  perseverance  in  grace,  which  they  never  had ;  nor 
can  such  instances  of  defection,  with  any  propriety,  be  produced  as 
objections  to  the  doctrine  in  contemplation. 

We  assert,  that  those  only  will  persevere  in  the  way  of  etema 


274  MINUTES    OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

life,  and  attain  unto  it,  in  -whom  the  regenerating  grace  of  God  has, 
or  will  take  place.  That  this  will  be  the  happy  event  with  all  such, 
through  the  riches  of  sovereign  mercy  and  goodness,  the  following 
considerations  evince. 

The  everlasting  love  of  God  to  his  people,  manifested  in  Christ 
Jesus,  tends  to  establish  the  truth. 

Of  his  church  of  old,  God  says,  "  I  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlast- 
ing love,  therefore,  with  loving  kindness  have  I  drawn  thee,"  Jer. 
xxsi.  3.  This  is  the  true  origin  of  the  stupendous  plan  laid  by  God 
the  Father,  for  the  salvation  of  his  people.  The  true  source  of  the 
execution  of  this  plan  is  by  the  mediation  of  Christ  the  Son.  From 
hence  proceeds  the  execution  of  the  gi-acious  offices  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
in  the  conversion  of  sinners,  as  a  necessary  preparation  for  the  en- 
joyment of  heaven.  It  is  he  who  draws  and  leads  them  from  death 
to  life — from  sin  to  holiness — from  enmity  to  God  to  the  love  of  him. 
Agreeably  to  this,  divine  testimony  says,  "  We  love  him,  because 
he  first  loved  us,"  1  John  iv.  19.  "  Having  loved  his  own,  he  loveth 
them  to  the  end,"  John  xiii.  1, — even  to  everlasting. 

That  the  love  of  God,  in  its  manifestations  and  influences,  would 
issue  in  the  perseverance  of  the  saints,  and  bring  them  to  glory,  Paul 
had  the  fullest  assurance,  when  he  asks  with  an  air  of  triumph, 
"  Who  shall  separate  us  from  the  love  of  Christ  ?  Shall  tribulation, 
or  distress,  or  persecution,  or  famine,  or  nakedness,  or  peril,  or 
sword  ?  Nay,  in  all  these  things  we  are  more  than  conquerors  through 
him  that  loved  us.  For  I  am  persuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor  life, 
nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present,  nor 
things  to  come, — nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall 
be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord,"  Rom.  viii.  35,  37-39. 

This  sentiment  receives  strength  from  the  connection  which  sub- 
sists between  the  grace  given  to  sinners,  and  God's  eternal  decrees ; 
when  the  good  work  is  begun,  it  is  the  gracious  accomplishment  of 
his  purposes  to  them  from  everlasting.  "  Who  hath  called  us  with  an 
holy  calling,  according  to  his  own  purpose  and  grace,  which  was  given 
us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began."  On  this  foundation,  then, 
the  purpose  of  God,  his  word  proceeds.  The  gospel  is  preached 
wherever  it  comes.  "  As  many  as  were  ordained  to  eternal  life,  be- 
lieved," Acts  xiii.  48.  "  He  that  believeth  on  the  Son,  hath  ever- 
lasting life,"  John  iii.  36.  "  He  that  believeth,  shall  be  saved,"  Mark 
xvi.  16, — shall  not  perish.  "  The  Lord  added  to  the  church  daily 
such  as  should  be  saved,"  Acts  ii.  47, — should  not  be  lost.  Such  is  the 
inseparable  connection  between  election — grace  communicated,  and 
the  contemplation  of  it  in  glory.  "  For  whom  he  did  predestinate, 
them  he  also  called ;  and  whom  he  called,  them  he  also  justified; 
and  whom  he  justified,  them  he  also  glorified,"  Rom.  viii.  30. 

The  possession  Christ  has  taken  of  the  believer,  by  his  grace,  de- 
serves notice.  Formerly  Satan  had  dominion ;  kept  his  goods  in 
peace ;  reigned  and  ruled  in  them  in  the  state  of  their  unbelief  and 
disobedience.     But  when  the  King  of  Zion  arrests  the  sinner ;  casts 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  275 

out  the  Strong  man  armed ;  takes  the  emph-e  of  the  soul  to  himself, 
and  establishes  the  kingdom  of  his  grace,  who  shall  dispossess  him  ? 
Can  it  be  supposed,  that  he  who  is  conquered,  dethroned,  routed,  and 
enfeebled,  shall  regain  what  he  was  unable  to  hold?  Does  Christ 
take  possession,  but  to  keep  it !  Shall  any  power  subdue  Omnipo- 
tence, recaptivate  a  new  born  heir  of  eternal  life  ?  No,  none  shall 
be  able  to  pluck  them  out  of  his  hand  ;  nor  out  of  his  Father's  hand, 
who  is  greater  than  all,  John  x.  25-29. 

The  nature  of  this  divine  life  merits  our  attention.  The  soid  of 
man  being  immortal ;  eternal  in  its  future  existence ;  that  which  is 
necessary  to  its  happiness  ought  to  be  of  the  like  nature  and  dura- 
tion. That  principle  of  divine  life  by  which  the  soul  is  quickened  in 
regeneration,  is  such ;  "  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life,  and  they  shall 
never  perish,"  John  x.  28.  Its  source  is  the  eternal  Jehovah;  its 
communication  free;  its  continuance  durable  as  the  immortal  Spirit. 
It  is  assimilated  to  a  seed  that  remaineth — to  a  well  of  water  spring- 
ing up  unto  everlasting  life,  which  the  scorching  heat  of  persecution, 
fiery  trials,  and  darts  of  the  devil,  shall  not  dry  up,  but  the  riches  of 
grace  will  replenish ;  to  the  smoking  flax  which  shall  not  be  quenched 
— a  spark  of  life  which  the  many  waters  of  affliction  cannot  quench, 
nor  floods  of  temptation  drown ;  which  will  not  expire  amidst  the 
dashing  of  the  most  boisterous  waves  of  trouble  and  distress ;  but 
nourished  by  him  that  gave  it — will  live  and  glow,  till  it  shall  blaze 
in  eternal  day. 

All  obstructions  to  the  saints'  perseverance  and  salvation  are  re- 
moved. The  demands  of  the  law  of  God  against  them  are  fully 
answered  by  Christ  their  surety.  There  is  no  condemnation  to 
such,  Eom.  viii.  1.  The  awful  separation  between  God  and  them, 
made  by  sin,  is  healed  ;  peace  and  reconciliation  is  made  by  the  blood 
of  the  cross.  Col.  i.  20 ;  Rom.  v.  1.  The  Avay  of  communication  with 
God  is  open;  on  God's  part,  to  confer  all  spiritual  blessings  upon 
them ;  on  their  part,  that  they  may  have  free  access  to  God,  through 
the  mediation  of  Christ,  Eph.  ii.  18.  Their  enemies  are  conquered, 
Ps.  Ixxxix.  23.  The  "  works  of  the  devil"  destroyed,  1  John  iii.  8. 
Sin  is  dethroned,  and  "  shall  not  have  dominion  over  them,"  Rom. 
vi.  14.  The  world  is  overcome.  And,  though  imperfections  cleave  to 
them,  and  trials  surround  them,  they  have  a  prevailing  advocate  with 
the  Father,  Jesus  Christ,  "who  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for 
them,"  Rom.  viii.  33,  34. 

It  is  a  pleasure  to  observe,  that  the  means  for  the  promoting  and 
effecting  the  perseverance  of  the  saints  are  well  established.  Gifts 
for  men,  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ,  Eph.  iv.  12.  The  divine  word, 
rich  in  all  important  truth,  tending  to  establish  the  soul  in  righteous- 
ness ;  the  rich  and  precious  promises  of  the  gospel  for  encouragement 
and  comfort ;  the  most  suitable  instructions  in  every  state  of  the 
spiritual  warfare  ;  faithful  warnings  against  sin  ;  the  glorious  examples 
of  the  saints,  who  have  gone  before  us,  to  engage  us  to  emulate  their 
conduct ;  the  falls  and  transgressions  of  others,  held  up  as  beacons, 


276  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

to  warn  all  the  camp  of  Israel  against  iniquity ;  the  ministrations  of 
the  word,  also,  opening,  illustrating,  and  enforcing  the  above  ;  the 
ordinances  of  the  gospel ;  prayer,  Christian  fellowship  ;  together  Avith 
the'  laws  and  discipline  of  the  house  of  God ;  all  tending,  under  a 
divine  influence,  to  accomplish  their  final  perseverance. 

The  Lord  Jesus,  overruling  all  things  together  for  good  to  them 
who  love  God,  is  a  further  confirmation  of  this  truth,  Rom.  viii.  28. 
The  gospel  shall  work  effectually  in  them  who  believe,  1  Thess.  ii.  13. 
The  various  dispensations  of  Providence  shall  concur  to  this  end. 
Prosperity  sanctified,  shall  promote  gratitude,  obedience,  and  humility ; 
adversity  shall  correct  us ;  afflictions  teach  the  vanity  of  worldly 
enjoyments ;  bereavements,  their  uncertainty,  and  the  necessity  of  a 
better  hope.  These  will  cause  the  children  of  God  to  cleave  to  him. 
Tribulation  shall  work  patience,  and  patience  experience,  and  expe- 
rience hope,  that  maketh  not  ashamed ;  and  he  that  hath  this  hope 
in  him  purifieth  himself. 

But,  brethren,  the  time  would  fail  us  to  dwell  on  the  considera- 
tions arising  from  the  covenant  of  grace,  ordered  in  all  things,  and 
sure ;  redemption  by  Jesus  Christ ;  the  charge  he  has  taken  of  his 
people ;  the  promises  of  the  gospel,  all  tending  to  establish  this  doc- 
trine. As  also  from  the  perfections  of  God,  his  immutability,  justice, 
power,  wisdom,  faithfulness,  and  truth,  all  engaged  to  bring  the  heirs 
of  grace,  through  perseverance  therein,  to  glory. 

A  popular  objection  made  to  this  doctrine  is,  that  it  tends  to  licen- 
tiousness ;  that  if  the  perseverance  of  the  saints  is  sure,  they  may  be 
as  wicked  as  any — all  will  be  well. 

Strange,  that  proving  the  perseverance  of  saints  in  grace  should  be 
a  license  for  them  to  be  devils  in  wickedness  !  That  advancing  in 
holiness  should  be  a  reason  for  abounding  in  sin  !  It  is  fatal  to  this 
objection,  that  it  bears  the  strongest  features  of  that  raised  against 
the  doctrines  of  grace  of  old :  "  Let  us  continue  in  sin,  that  grace 
may  abound  ;"  and  may  be  well  answered  in  like  manner  :  "  God  for- 
bid. How  shall  we,  who  are  dead  to  sin,  live  any  longer  therein," 
Rom.  vi.  1,  2.  The  objection  is  founded  on  the  perverse  disposition, 
not  of  a  renewed,  but  of  an  unrenewed  heart,  which  the  love  of  God 
does  not  constrain ;  which  does  not  love  God  for  his  holiness,  nor 
delights  in  his  law  ;  nor  has  seen  his  ways, — ways  of  pleasantness, 
and  paths  of  peace  ;  but  is  in  love  with  sin,  and  rejoices  in  an  excuse  or 
opportunity  to  indulge  it.  As  such,  it  is  inapplicable  to  the  real  saint, 
who  delights  in  the  law  of  God  after  the  inward  man.  The  objection, 
therefore,  ought  to  fall,  and  men  of  grace  be  ashamed  to  raise  it  again. 

iVnother  objection  is,  that  the  certainty  of  the  saints'  perseverance 
in  grace  leads  to  negligence  and  inattention  to  the  duties  of  religion. 
We  are  ready  to  compare  notes,  not  for  a  transient  flight  of  zeal,  but 
thi'ough  the  whole  lives  of  those  real  professors  of  religion  who  hold, 
and  those  who  oppose,  this  doctrine.  This  objection  rests  on  the  same 
foundation  with  the  other,  and  as  liable  to  the  same  fate.  It  cannot 
DC  proved  that  this  sentiment  had  this  eff"ect  on  the  immediate  real 
disciples  of  Christ ;  but  it  is  abundantly  evident  it  had  the  reverse 


MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  277 

tendency.  Paul,  who  had  the  highest  confidence  that  he  who  had 
begun  a  good  work  in  the  saints  at  Philippi,  would  perform  it  till  the 
day  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  represents  them  as  faithful  and  zealous 
brethren,  says  of  himself,  "  I  press  forward  toward  the  mark  for  the 
prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,"  Phil.  iii.  14.  His 
brethren  he  exhorts,  "  Having  these  promises,  dearly  beloved,  let  us 
cleanse  ourselves  from  all  filthiness  of  the  flesh  and  of  the  spirit, 
perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God,"  2  Cor.  vii.  1. 

To  indulge  a  licentious  spirit,  or  indifference  to  the  duties  of  reli- 
gion, on  the  ground  of  these  objections,  would  be  a  most  flagrant 
violation  of  the  laws  of  reason,  gratitude,  and  love. 

May  you,  dear  brethren,  continue  persuaded  of  this  truth,  and  par- 
take of  the  support  to  be  derived  from  it.  How  uncertain  are  all 
temporal  enjoyments  and  prospects  !  How  happy  for  the  people  of 
God,  that  in  the  most  important  of  all  concerns,  those  of  religion, 
there  is  a  stability !  That  the  foundation  standeth  sure, — the  Lord 
knoweth  them  that  are  his  !  Having  begun  a  good  work  in  you,  he 
will  perform  it.  That  the  perseverance  of  the  saints  in  grace  to  the 
consummation  of  it  in  glory  is  sure !  How  supporting  the  reflection  ! 
how  animating  the  prospect ! 

Shall  not  the  stupendous  plan  of  sovereign  grace  and  love,  by 
which  the  sinner's  salvation  will  be  so  surely  and  fully  completed, 
for  ever  command  the  admiration  of  angels  and  men  ! 

Will  not  the  warmest  gratitude  glow  in  every  heart  on  the  remem- 
brance of  it  ?  Shall  not  the  most  cheerful  obedience  be  rendered  ? 
the  most  ardent  affection  arise  to  God  ?  the  most  devout  adoration 
ascend  from  every  soul  ?  Surely  these  are  the  genuine  offspring  of 
grace,  so  great,  so  sure,  so  rich,  so  free. 

Is  there  a  professor  amongst  us  to  whom  these  emotions  are  not 
more  common  than  the  rising  sun  !  Be  alarmed,  oh  man  !  Has  the 
law  of  sin  gained  the  ascendancy  over  the  law  of  thy  mind  ?  or  hath 
the  law  of  the  spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  never  made  thee  free  from 
the  law  of  sin  and  death  ?     Examine  thyself. 

Are  any  fallen  into  sin,  how  great  their  ingratitude  !  How  aggra- 
vated their  transgressions,  to  sin  against  such  amazing  love,  unspeak- 
able goodness,  and  rich  grace  !  to  offend  against  so  many  and  great 
obligations  to  obedience.  What  pungent  distress,  what  shame,  what 
sorrow,  must  ensue  !  How  light  my  affliction  compared  with  my  sin  ! 
says  the  offender  ;  surely  he  has  not  visited  me  according  to  my  sin, 
nor  rewarded  me  according  to  my  transgression.  And  oh  !  will  he 
not  take  his  loving  kindness  from  me,  nor  suffer  his  faithfulness  to 
fail  ?     Is  there  yet  hope  ?     Oh,  grace  beyond  degree  ! 

With  this  prospect  before  us  in  prosperity,  with  this  support  in 
affliction,  trial,  and  darkness,  to  which  we  are  liable  in  this  pilgrim- 
age state,  let  us  press  forward  in  the  way  of  truth  and  holiness. 

Now,  unto  God  the  Father  be  glory  in  the  church,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Samuel  Jones,  Moderator. 
John  Stancliff,  Clerk. 


278 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND   MESSENGERS  AT   THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


"C 

-SI 

p 

i 

•a 
o 

s 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

.S 

"p. 

1 

s 

1 

CD 

1 

i 

is 

1^ 

5 

» 

a 

s 

. 

Samuel  Jones,  D.  D., 

Lower  Dublin,            -i 

John  Wright, 

Benjamin  Dungan, 

0 

0 

4 

0 

0 

0 

63 

,,. , ,,  ,                        f  Samuel  Morgan,* 
Middletown,                |  William  Blair, 

17 

0 

0 

0 

0 

5 

152 

Piscataqua, 

Reune  Runt  an, 
Peter  Bryant, 

'  Henry  Smalley,* 

1 

1 

4 

0 

2 

3 

141 

Cohansie, 

Jonathan  Bowen, 
David  Shepherd, 

^  John  Siffin, 

13 

1 

0 

0 

0 

2 

121 

Welsh  Tract, 

'  John  Boggs, 
^  Andrew  Molton, 

14 

5 

5 

0 

1 

3 

114 

John  Beauly, 

Great  Valley, 

Isaac  Abraham, 
Daniel  Cornog, 
Nathaniel  Davis, 

^  Andrew  Garden, 

0 

1 

2 

0 

0 

0 

82 

Cape  May, 

John  Stancliff, 

2 

0 

1 

0 

4 

5 

53 

Hopewell, 

Oliver  Hart, 
'  Joshua  Yaughan, 

6 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

168 

Brandywine,               -t 

William  Simonson, 

Thomas  Davis, 

8 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

49 

Montgomery, 

Isaac  Johnson, 
Edmond  Pennington, 

1 

0 

2 

0 

0 

1 

23 

Tulpeliokin,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Kingwood, 

James  Drake, 
David  Stout, 

'  Peter  Wilson, 

0 

0 

0 

9 

0 

0 

80 

Haight's  Town, 

Nehemiah  Dye, 

[Lloyd  Holmes, 

22 

0 

5 

1 

4 

3 

259 

'  Thomas  Ustick, 

William  Rogers,  D.  D., 

]Morgan  Edwards, 

Philadelphia,              < 

Thomas  Shields, 
George  IngoUs, 
John  M'Leod, 

Hugh  Gorley, 

6 

10 

6 

0 

0 

4 

111 

'  David  Jones, 

Southampton,             ■< 

Benjamin  Bennet, 
Elias  Yerkes,  jr.. 

_  Arthur  Watts, 

6 

0 

o 

2 

0 

2 

57 

Scotch  Plains, 

William  A'anhorn, 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

2 

136 

Oyster  Bay,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

25 

Morristown, 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

94 

MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


279 


CHURCHES. 

ministers  and  messengers. 

■a 

S 

■3   c 

p 

1 
5 

0 

o 

K 

0 

i 

0 

■3 

1 
0 

s 
a 

43 

Knowlton,! 

Daniel  Vaughan,* 

0 

0 

Hartford,! 

John  Daties,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

120 

New  Britain,t 

Joshua  Jones, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

21 

Salem, 

[  Ephraim  Lloyd, 
[  Abraham  Harris, 

12 

0 

0 

0 

2 

3 

66 

Wantage,! 

Silas  Southworth,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Dividing  Creek, 
1.  New  York, 

2 
9 

0 

0 
5 

0 
3 

0 

2 

3 

40 
198 

Benjamin  Foster,* 

1 

0 

New  Mills,                  • 

David  Gaskill, 
Richard  Watkin, 

2 

4 

2 

0 

0 

1 

86 

Konoloway,! 
Coram,! 

Upper  Freehold, 

Joseph  Powell,* 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

2 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
30 

78 

Joseph  Stephens,* 
Edward  Taylor, 

7 

1 

0 

Mount  Bethel,! 
Lyon's  Farms,! 
Philip's  Patent,! 
Pittsgrove,! 
Manahawkin,! 
Vincent,! 
Tuckahoe,! 
2.  New  York, 
King  Street,! 
Cow  Marsh, 

0 

0 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

1 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

0 

0 

101 

16 

0 

0 

0 

22 

0 

0 

36 

30 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Isaac  Bunnell,* 
Joseph  Stout, 

0 
0 
0 

8 

0 
0 
0 
2 

0 
0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 

Job  Meredith, 

London  Tract, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 

0 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

38 

Hilltown, 

James  M'Laughlin, 
Robert  Shannon, 
John  Pugh, 

4 

0 

1 

0 

0 

1 

102 

Lower  Smithfield, 

David  Jatne,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Baltimore, 

1 

Lewis  Richards,* 
George  Prestman, 

5 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

63 

Byrn  Slon, 
Duck  Creek, 

'  James  Jones,* 
John  Patton, 
Gideon  Ferrell, 
John  Crawford, 
Hugh  Durburrow, 
Gasper  Harwood, 

32 

3 

0 

1 

3 

12 

83 

Wilmington,               < 

'  Thomas  Ainger, 
Thomas  Brooks, 
Jesse  Walraven, 

12 

0 

3 

1 

3 

0 

53 

Canoe  Brook 

14 

0 

2 
1 

0 

0 

1 

73 

Jacob's  Town, 

Burgiss  Allisokt, 
James  Cox, 

2 

1 

0 

0 

3 

59 

Staten  Island, 

Elkana  Holmes,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

Pittstown,! 

James  Finn,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

Marcus  Hook, 

Eliphaz  Dazet, 

1 

0 

2 

0. 

0 

1 

16 

280 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION". 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS   AND    MESSENGERS. 

•a 
M 
'o. 

II 

5 

u 
o 

a 

8 

i 

i 
1 

§ 

Kocksberry, 

f  Curtis  Gilbert, 
<  Michael  Conrad, 
[  Col-nelius  Holdgate, 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

44 

Falls  Township, 

f  Alexander  M'Gotv^an, 
^  Joseph  Richardson,  jr., 
[Jeremiah  Ward, 

7 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

25 

224 

41 

55 

8 

22 

60 

3253 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licenced  preachers  in 
italics.  Tliose  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked 
thus  t  received  no  intelligence.    A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES 

OF   THE 

PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  2d,  3d,  4tH,  AND  5tH, 

1792. 


October  2. — At  three  o  clock,  p.  m.,  Rev.  Doctor' William  Rogers 
delivered  the  introductory  sermon,  from  Phil.  iii.  8,  "  Yea,  doubtless, 
and  I  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge 
of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord. 

2.  After  worship,  proceeded  to  business.  Rev.  Isaac  Skillman  was 
chosen  moderator,  and  the  Rev.  Burgiss  Allison,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  thirty-six  churches  were  read. 
Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
October  3. — Met  agreeably  to  adjournment. 

1.  Two  letters  were  read  from  the  Warwick  Association,  for  the 
years  1791  and  1792 ;  the  former  not  having  come  forward  last  year. 
This  Association,  according  to  their  request,  was  received  by  their 
messengers,  Rev.  Thomas  Montanye  and  Benjamin  Pelton,  as  a  cor- 
responding Association. 

2.  A  letter  was  also  read  from  the  New  York  Association,  re- 
questing union  and  correspondence  with  us,  which  was  unanimously 
agreed  to. 

3.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  William  Augustus  Clarke,  from  London, 
Hunt  and  German,  from  New  Jersey,  and  David  Sutton,  being  pre- 
sent, were  invited  to  sit  with  us. 

4.  An  application  was  again  made  by  the  newly  constituted  church 
at  Sideling  Hill  to  be  admitted  into  connection  with  this  Association. 
After  examining  the  objections  which  had  been  made,  and  not  think- 
ing them  sufficient  to  ground  a  rejection  upon,  the  said  church  was 
admitted.  Nevertheless  the  Association  disapprove  of  multiplying 
churches  by  dividing  those  already  established,  without  evident  ne- 
cessity; and  also,  of  any  one  minister  by  himself  undertaking  to 
constitute  a  church. 

5.  An  application  was  also  made  by  the  church  at  West  Creek,  New 
Jersey,  lately  constituted,  desiring  to  be  admitted.  It  was  accordingly 
received. 

6.  Letters  were  received,  and  read,  from  the  Associations  of 
Charleston,  Shaftsbury,  Warren,  and  Daubury ;  and  printed  minutes 

36  (281) 


282  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

from  those  of  Warwick,  New  York,  Warren,  Charleston,  Kehukee, 
Bethel,  and  Portsmouth,  Virginia. 

7.  The  following  brethren  to  write  to  the  corresponding  Associations, 
viz.,  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  to  that  of  New  York ;  Mr.  Smalley,  to  Warwick ; 
Mr.  Blackwell,  to  Warren ;  Mr.  Stevens,  to  Shaftsburj  ;  Mr.  StancliflF, 
to  Danbury ;  and  Mr.  Ustick,  to  Charleston. 

8.  The  circular  letter  was  read,  and  Messrs.  Samuel  Jones,  David 
Jones,  and  James  M'Laughlin  appointed  a  committee  to  revise  the 
same. 

9.  Three  o'clock,  p.  m. — Mr.  Smalley  appointed  to  write  the  cir- 
cular letter  for  the  ensuing  year. 

10.  A  query  from  the  Church  at  Great  Valley,  referred  from  last 
Association :  Whether  the  degree  of  affinity  there  mentioned,  viz., 
between  a  widow  and  her  first  husband's  nephew,  is  sufficient  to  ex- 
clude them  from  church  communion,  in  case  of  their  marriage  ? 

Determined  in  the  negative. 

11.  Resolved,  That  a  certain  lot  of  ground,  the  bequest  of  Mrs. 
Hubbs,  in  Hopewell  township,  Hunterdon  county.  New  Jersey,  be 
sold  by  the  trustees,  and  the  money  added  to  the  Association  funds, 
after  the  expense  of  erecting  a  head-stone  for  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hubbs, 
each,  shall  be  deducted. 

Adjourned  until  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Rev.  Mr.  Clarke  preached  this  evening,  from  Acts  xv.  86. 

October  4. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

12.  This  Association,  taking  into  consideration  the  difficulty  sub- 
sisting in  the  second  church  at  New  York,  do  profess,  that  by  any 
transaction  of  either  last  Association,  or  this,  they  do  not  pretend  to 
decide  which  party  is  in  the  wrong,  or  to  have  received  either  of 
them  in  particular,  but  recommend  the  calling  a  council  to  have  all 
differences  amicably  settled  among  themselves. 

13.  A  query  respecting  the  validity  of  baptism  by  an  unordained 
and  unbaptized  administrator,  referred  in  the  sixth  section  of  October 
5,  in  our  minutes  of  last  year,  was  taken  up,  and  determined  in  the 
negative. 

14.  Three  o'clock,  P.  M. — The  committee  appointed  to  revise  the 
circular  letter  written  by  Brother  Joshua  Jones,  approved  the  same, 
and  made  their  report. 

15.  A  query  from  the  church  at  Marcus  Hook:  Would  it  not  be 
expedient  for  this  Association  to  republish  Dr.  Gill's  Nature,  Order, 
and  Discipline  of  a  Gospel  Church,  or  some  other  equally  good,  and 
recommend  the  same  to  the  churches? 

In  answer.  That,  whereas  most  of  the  churches  are  unacquainted 
with  Dr.  Gill's  piece  referred  to,  the  Association  recommend  that 
they  make  themselves  acquainted  therewith  against  next  annual  As- 
sociation, by  which  means  they  will  be  prepared  to  determine  upon 
the  expediency  thereof. 

16.  Queries  from  the  church  at  Great  Valley :  Are  the  words 
bishop  and  elder  of  the  same  meaning  in  the  writings  of  the  apostles  ? 

Yes.    This    Association,    therefore,    recommend   that   the   terms 


-    MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  283 

pastors,  bishops  and  elders,  as  used  in  our  Confession  of  faith,  be 
adopted. 

17.  Query  from  the  church  at  West  Creek :  Is  the  washing  of 
feet  a  gospel  ordinance? 

This  Association  consider  the  washing  of  feet,  as  mentioned  in 
the  New  Testament,  only  as  a  pattern  of  humility;  nevertheless  have 
no  objection  to  those  practising  it  who  think  it  a  duty. 

18.  The  churches  of  Mount  Bethel  and  Lyon's  Farms  request  a 
dismission  from  this  Association  to  join  that  of  New  York,  as  being 
more  convenient. 

19.  Whereas,  there  is  or  ought  to  be  a  considerable  sum  of  money 
in  the  hands  of  the  heirs,  executors,  or  administrators  of  the  late 
Isaac  Jones,  Esq.,  belonging  to  the  funds  of  the  grammar  school 
under  the  direction  of  this  Association,  the  amount  of  which  is  at 
present  uncertain ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  Dr.  William  Rogers,  and  Samuel 
Miles,  Esq.,  be  a  committee  to  ascertain  the  amount  and  situation  of 
this  money,  with  full  power  to  use  such  means  (whether  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  trustees,  or  separate  from  them,)  as  may  be  best  calcu- 
lated to  recover  the  said  money ;  and,  if  need  be,  to  employ  council 
learned  in  the  law  for  the  above  purpose. 

20.  Letters  written  to  the  Shaftsbury,  Warren,  Danbury,  Charles- 
ton, Warwick,  and  New  York  Associations  were  read  and  approved ; 
and  the  following  brethren  appointed  as  messengers : — To  Warren, 
Dr.  Samuel  Jones  and  Rev.  William  Augustus  Clarke ;  to  Danbury, 
Mr.  Benjamin  Pelton ;  to  Charleston,  Rev.  Peter  Philanthropos  Roots ; 
to  Warwick  and  New  York,  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  Rev.  Joseph 
Stephens,  and  Rev.  Peter  Wilson. 

21.  Elders  Patten,  Clingan,  and  Vaughan,  agree  to  travel  for 
three  months  in  the  ensuing  year,  about  Juniata  and  the  West  Branch 
of  Susquehanna,  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  destitute ;  and  this  As- 
sociation recommend  that  a  sufficient  sum  be  subscribed  by  the 
churches,  and  paid  immediately  into  the  hands  of  Col.  Samuel  Miles, 
to  bear  their  expenses. 

22.  In  answer  to  a  letter  received  from  some  destitute  persons  at  * 
Niagara,  it  is  recommended  to  such  of  the  ministering  brethren  as 
have  it  in  their  power  to  pay  them  a  visit. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 
This  evening  Brother  Roots  preached  from  Heb.  ii.  3. 
October  5,  nine  o'clock,  A.  m. — Met  according  to  adjournment. 

23.  Some  difficulties  subsisting  in  the  Pittstown  church,  the  Asso- 
ciation appoint  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  David  Jones,  and  Thomas  Fleeson, 
as  a  committee  to  enquire  into  the  matter  this  afternoon,  and,  in 
conjunction  with  those  of  the  parties  present,  endeavor  to  remove 
them. 

24.  Two  queries  from  the  Pittstown  church. 

First  query :  Where  there  is  a  positive  contradiction  between  two 
men,  both  members  of  the  church,  is  the  testimony  of  either  of  their 
wives  to  be  received,  supposing  her  also  a  member.    Yes. 


284  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Second  query :  "Where  a  council  is  called  to  settle  a  difficulty 
between  two  churches,  ought  that  council  to  give  judgment,  or  to 
propose  measures  of  reconciliation? 

It  is  our  judgment  that  the  council  should  both  give  their  opinion, 
and  likewise  advise  to  measures  of  reconciliation. 

25.  Supplies  were  granted  to  the  following  destitute  churches  : — 
Ringwood,  Dividing  Creek,  and  Pittsgrove. 

26.  Three  o'clock,  p.  m. — The  committee  appointed  last  year  to 
effectuate  the  incorporation  of  this  Association,  by  charter,  are  con- 
tinued the  ensuing  year. 

27.  Dr.  Jones,  agreeably  to  a  resolve  of  last  year,  brought  in  an 
abstract  from  the  minutes  of  the  preceding  years. 

28.  The  next  Association  to  meet  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  first 
Tuesday  in  October,  1793. 

29.  Brother  Skillman  to  preach  the  introductory  sermon ;  and,  iu 
case  of  failure.  Brother  David  Jones. 

30    Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
minutes,  and  forward  them  to  the  churches. 
Bev.  Mr.  Montanye  preached  in  the  evening. 

CIECULAR   LETTER. 

BY  REV.  JOSHUA  JONES. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  churches  met  in  Asso- 
ciation, in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  October  2d,  1792. 

To  the  churches  in  union  with  this  Association,  send  greeting. 

Dearly  beloved  brethren, — According  to  the  course  of  our  order, 
the  subject  of  our  circular  letter,  this  year,  is  the  assurance  of  grace 
and  salvation.   Confession  of  faith.  Chap.  XVIII. 

This  is  a  subject  of  very  great  importance,  with  which  all  true  Chris- 
tians are  concerned,  and,  perhaps,  for  the  most  part,  make  the  matter 
of  their  most  serious  inquiry.  It  is,  therefore,  very  obvious  that  it 
requires  to  be  discussed  with  the  greatest  care,  whereby  it  may  tend 
to  minister  some  revival  of  hope  to  the  doubting  Christian,  and  that 
the  joy  of  faith  may  be  increased  in  those  that  are  of  a  higher  at- 
tainment ;  while,  at  the  same  time,  the  nominal  professor  may  be  de- 
tected and  convinced  of  his  delusion. 

In  order  to  attempt  something  for  the  illustration  of  this  very 
important  article,  several  particulars  are  to  be  considered;  as 

First.  That  there  are  degrees  in  this  grace  of  assurance,  as  well 
as  in  other  graces  of  the  Spirit.  Divine  revelation,  and  the  expe- 
rience of  all  ages,  make  it  abundantly  manifest,  that  there  are  some, 
who  from  a  deep  sense  of  their  own  sinfulness,  together  with  the 
weak  exercise  of  their  graces,  cannot  help  hesitating  respecting 
their  own  interest  in  the  great  salvation  that  is  in  Christ ;  but  yet 
they  have  such  expectation  of  obtaining  salvation  by  him,  as  bears 
them  up  from  falling  into  despair.  The  true  Christian  views  his  own 
sins  in  their  own  colors,  and  they  appear,  attended  with  their  several 
aggravations,  horrid  and  detestable  in  his  view ;  and  he  finds,  by  sad 
experience,  that  there  is  a  body  of  sin  and  pollution  in  his  nature,  so 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  285 

that  he  cannot  well  tell  how  a  gracious  change  in  his  heart  can  consist 
with  so  much  sin  and  defilement ;  yet  he  would  endeavor  to  conclude 
with  the  Psalmist,  Ixv.  4,  "  iniquities  prevail  against  me :  as  for  our 
transgressions  thou  shalt  purge  them  away."  The  believer  has  a  view, 
though  it  be  weak,  to  the  fountain  opened  for  sin  and  for  uncleanness ; 
and  it  is  from  this  source  he  draws  all  his  comforts,  that  his  sins  are 
pardoned;  and  this  confidence,  though  weak,  enables  him  to  look 
unto  Jesus,  whom  he  hath  pierced  with  his  sins,  and  hope  that  there 
is  healing  virtue  in  his  blood ;  so  that  he  rests  his  soul  upon  it,  as  that 
alone  that  can  cleanse  him  from  all  sin.  Though  all  this  may  not 
amount  to  a  full  assurance,  that  his  state  god-ward  is  good,  yet  he 
would  not  exchange  it  for  all  that  the  world  could  give  him  in  lieu 
thereof. 

Second,  We  are  to  consider  that  this  grace  of  assurance  is  attain- 
able in  this  life,  not  only  in  extraordinary  cases,  such  as  martyrdom, 
and  under  some  other  very  difficult  cases  that  some  maybe  called  to; 
but  also  in  the  common  course  of  the  dispensation  of  grace ;  for  it 
may  be  justly  observed,  that  every  true  Christian  may  and  has  a  just 
right  to  conclude  that  his  state  God-ward  is  a  state  of  peace,  were  it 
not  for  the  remainder  of  unbelief  that  cleaves  unto  him  ;  but  this  is 
what  prevents  it :  and  where  this  is  done  away  and  overcome,  the 
Christian  may  say  with  holy  Job,  "  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  livetli ;" 
and  with  the  apostle,  "  I  am  crucified  with  Christ ;  nevertheless  I 
live ;  yet  not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me ;  and  the  life  which  I  now 
live  in  the  flesh,  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved 
me,  and  gave  himself  for  me,"  Gal.  ii.  29.  And  again,  "  For  me  to 
live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain,"  Phil.  i.  21.  It  is  abundantly  evi- 
dent from  divine  revelation,  that  the  grace  of  assurance  in  this  life  is 
attainable. 

1.  Because  that  it  appears  to  be  the  privilege  of  believers  in  com- 
mon; for  this  see  1  Cor.  ii.  12,  "  For  we  have  not  received  the  spirit 
of  the  world,  but  the  Spirit  which  is  of  God,  that  we  may  know  the 
things  that  are  freely  given  us  of  God."  Here  we  see  the  apostle  ad- 
dresses these  Corinthian  believers,  that  they  were  interested  in  the 
same  grace  of  assurance  in  common  with  himself;  and  in  the  first 
Epistle  of  John  v.  20,  "  And  we  know  that  the  Son  of  God  is  come, 
and  hath  given  us  an  understanding,  that  we  may  know  him  that  is 
true ;  and  we  are  in  him  that  is  true ;  even  in  his  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
This  is  the  true  God  and  eternal  life."  There  is  such  provision  made 
for  it,  so  that  the  heirs  of  glory  might  have  an  undoubted  hope  of 
enjoying  it.  For  this  see  Heb.  vi.  17,  18,  19,  "  Wherein  God  will- 
ing more  abundantly  to  show  unto  the  heirs  of  promise,  the  immuta- 
bility of  his  counsel,  confirmed  it  by  an  oath :  that  by  two  immutable 
things,  in  Avhich  it  was  impossible  for  God  to  lie,  we  might  have  a 
strong  consolation,  who  have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  on  the  hope 
set  before  us.  Which  hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  to  the  soul,  both 
sure  and  steadfast,  which  entereth  into  that  within  the  veil."  And 
moreover,  it  is  spoken  of  as  something  blamable  in  Christians,  that 
they  do  not  know  their  union  with  Christ,  2  Cor.  xiii.  5,  "  Know  ye 


286  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

not  your  ownselves,  how  that  Jesus  Christ  is  in  you,  except  ye  be 
reprobates  ?" 

2.  It  appears  that  assurance  is  attainable  in  the  present  state  of 
things,  because  it  is  inculcated  upon  us,  to  use  diligence  to  make  our 
calling  and  election  sure.  And  were  it  not  attainable,  we  conclude 
that  so  interesting  a  point  would  not  be  enjoined  us ;  but  it  appears 
that  is  not  the  case.  And  it  appears  that  those  that  live  in  a 
nearness  to  God  in  their  affection  of  love,  incline  to  keep  his  word 
practically,  and  the  more  we  are  in  this  salutary  employment,  there 
is  a  motive  annexed,  that  is  infinitely  beyond  the  merit  of  our  doing ; 
for  there  is  a  promise  to  the  disciples  of  Christ,  to  such  as  love  him, 
and  keep  his  word,  that  the  Father  and  the  Son  will  come  and  make 
their  abode  with  them,  by  which  we  are  to  understand,  that  it  means 
a  manifestation  of  his  fatherly  love,  and  receive  more  of  the  Spirit 
of  adoption,  whereby  they  are,  enabled  to  cry,  Abba,  Father.  From 
hence  it  appears  that  those  Christians  that  live  in  a  nearness  to  God 
in  their  love  and  affections,  have,  for  the  most  part,  the  clearest  dis- 
covery of  his  love.     But  yet — 

Thirdly.  There  is  another  particular  to  be  inquired  into ;  that  is, 
the  source  and  efficient  cause  from  whence  this  full  assurance  of  hope 
doth  proceed,  and  that  is  the  Spirit  of  God.  Hence  it  is  said,  "  that 
the  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our  spirit,  that  we  are  the  chil- 
dren of  God,"  Kom.  viii.  16.  It  is  said  "the  Spirit  itself."  Now 
when  it  is  said,  that  a  person  doth  something  himself,  it  is  to  be  un- 
derstood, that  he  doth  it  not  by  another,  or  by  a  deputy ;  so  that  we 
are  to  understand,  that  it  is  the  Holy  Spirit  that  is  the  sole  efficient 
cause  of  a  Christian's  having  a  clear  manifestation  of  his  interest  in 
Christ;  and  this  cannot  be  attained  unto,  without  tho  witness  of  the 
Spirit.  Here  it  may  be  inquired,  how  the  Spirit  doth  witness  ?  In 
answer  to  this,  we  are  to  consider  what  our  Lord  says  concerning 
the  Spirit,  as  we  read  in  John  xvi.  14.  Our  Lord,  speaking  there  of  the 
Spirit,  says,  "  He  shall  glorify  me,  for  he  shall  receive  of  mine,  and 
shall  show  it  unto  you."  By  which  we  are  to  understand,  that  it  is 
owing  to  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  any  Christian  is  en- 
abled to  behold  the  sufficiency  that  is  in  the  blood  of  Christ  to  cleanse 
from  all  sins,  and  make  an  appropriation  of  it  to  himself;  and  the 
Holy  Spirit  is  called  the  Comforter,  which  is  very  comprehensive,  and 
includes  in  it  not  only  comfort,  but  strength,  light,  and  joy ;  because 
his  assurance  of  hope  is  upon  the  blood  and  righteousness  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  to  behold  that  there  is  forgiveness  of  sins  through  his 
blood,  and  that  now  all  are  "justified  from  all  things,  from  which 
they  could  not  be  justified  by  the  law  of  Moses."  It  must  be  observed, 
that  the  Spirit  witnessing  by  the  word  of  grace,  enables  the  soul  to 
appropriate  those  great  and  precious  promises  to  himself,  by  virtue 
of  the  witness  of  the  Spirit  itself,  with  our  spirit,  that  we  are  the 
children  of  God.  But  here  may  arise  a  very  serious  inquiry,  how 
may  a  believer  know  that  it  is  the  Spirit  of  God  and  not  the  spirit 
of  delusion  ?  We  shall  say  no  more,  in  answer  to  this,  than  that  the 
Spu'it  itself  can  and  will  resolve  it  to  his  own  childi'en  by  his  own 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATIOX.  287 

powerful  efficacy.  Much  might  be  said  on  this  head,  but  brevity  for- 
bids us  to  enlarge. 

Fourthly.  We  are  to  consider  that  the  faith  of  assurance  is  not  the 
essence  of  the  faith  of  reliance,  for  the  lowest  degree  must  be  at- 
tained before  the  highest,  for  the  sealing  of  the  Spirit  comes  after 
believing,  and  not  always  upon  believing,  for  there  are  little  children 
in  this  grace  as  well  as  strong  men ;  for  in  our  regeneration,  we  are 
to  conclude  that  every  grace  of  the  Spirit,  that  is  inseparably  con- 
nected with  salvation,  is  implanted  in  the  heart  of  every  true  believer, 
though  they  may  be  weakly  exercised  by  the  sincere  Christian.  The 
conversion  of  some  is  more  obvious  than  of  some  others,  both  to 
themselves  and  to  their  fellow  Christians,  and  the  Spirit  may  sweetly 
breathe  on  them  his  own  impression,  and  the  comforts  derived  there- 
from ;  so  that  he  that  has  only  the  faith  of  reliance,  has  some  de- 
gree of  appropriation ;  and  yet  not  being  clear  of  being  beclouded, 
and  of  uncomfortable  doubts  prevailing  in  his  breast, — so  as  yet  he 
loves,  and  wonders  at  the  stupendous  love,  wisdom,  and  faithfulness 
of  God,  in  laying  "  help  on  One  who  is  mighty  to  save,"  and  there- 
fore he  leans  upon  him  for  life  and  salvation, — and  yet  those  that 
have  the  faith  of  reliance,  it  is  of  that  nature  that  it  tends  to  purify 
the  heart,  and  overcome  the  world ;  so  that  the  soul  is  brought  to  an 
humble  submission  to  the  will  of  God,  and  beholds  that  there  is  no 
salvation  in  any  other,  and  is  enabled  to  rejoice  that  it  is  even  so, 
and  concludes,  that  this  is  all  his  hope.  Although  his  sins  appear  to 
him  of  the  deepest  dye,  yet  he  hopes  to  find  mercy  through  the  aton- 
ing blood  of  Jesus,  because  that  it  is  revealed  in  the  word  of  grace 
that  it  was  to  this  end  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  save  sin- 
ners, the  chief  of  sinners.  Let  it  be  observed,  that  if  a  Christian, 
whose  faith  amounts  to  no  higher  than  that  of  affiance — if  he  discovers 
in  himself  one  link  of  the  precious  chain  of  salvation,  he  upon  the 
best  grounds  may  conclude,  that  he  has  the  whole ;  for  there  is  not 
one  soul,  that  shall  perish,  that  has  one  of  the  saving  graces  of  the 
Spirit,  but  then  one  is  never  alone ;  and  that  the  Spirit  of  God  may 
withhold  the  shinings  of  his  face  upon  the  operation  that  he  hath 
wrouglit  upon  the  heart  of  the  believer,  that  relies  on  the  merits  of 
Christ  for  salvation — and  the  believer  may  walk  in  darkness,  as  to 
the  comfortable  manifestation  of  everlasting  love ;  for  we  find  that 
this  has  been  the  case  with  some  of  God's  dear  children :  and  hence 
it  is  that  such  go  mourning  all  the  day ;  and  this  has  been  the  case 
with  some  that  had  great  nearness  to  God,  and  intimacy  with  him, 
as  we  may  see  in  the  51st  Psalm.  It  comes  to  pass  commonly  in 
consequence  of  their  departing  from  God  by  sin,  which  was  the  case 
with  the  Psalmist,  and  in  consequence  of  it  their  faith  is  shaken,  and 
their  assurance  intermitted,  and  yet  in  regard  of  their  secret  state 
Godward,  it  is  a  state  of  peace — it  is  immovable  and  immutable, 
and  the  union  subsisting,  never  can  be  dissolved.     But, 

Fiftiiiy.  We  are  to  consider  that  there  is  such  a  thing  as  false 
hope,  and  counterfeit  assurance  ;  and  this  we  are  to  guard  against  as 
one  ui  the  most  pernicious  evils  that  may  befall  the  human   mind. 


288  MINUTES    OP   THE   PHILADELPniA   ASSOCIATION. 

But  by  thus  observing,  we  do  not  mean  to  discourage  you,  dear 
brethren,  from  appropriating  to  yourselves  the  riches  of  divine  grace, 
and  an  assurance  of  an  eternal  weight  of  glory.  But  there  is  such  a 
similarity  between  a  sincere  Christian  and  a  nominal  one,  as  there  is 
between  wheat  and  tares  in  the  blade,  which  teaches  us  that  a  close 
inspection  ought  to  be  exercised  by  every  one  of  us,  whether  we  have 
in  possession  a  vital  principle  of  true  religion.  For  the  holy  Scrip- 
tures hold  forth  unto  us  that  many  will  be  deceived  at  last,  and  meet 
a  dreadful  overthrow,  by  reason  of  building  on  a  false  foundation — as 
we  may  see  in  Matt.  vii.  22,  23.  So  that  it  is  not  every  one  that  says 
he  has  an  assurance  of  faith,  who  really  hath  it.  And  the  apostle 
saith,  "  If  a  man  thinketh  himself  to  be  something,  when  he  is  no- 
thing, he  deceive th  himself,"  Gal.  vi.  3;  and  a  great  many  passages 
of  holy  writ  might  be  adduced  to  prove  this  awful  truth.  But  we  pro- 
ceed finally,  to  point  out  the  great  utility  of  the  grace  of  assurance 
of  hope,  to  those  that  have  it,  during  their  pilgrimage  here  on  earth. 

1.  It  enables  them  to  submit,  with  cheerfulness,  to  adverse  dis- 
pensations, upon  the  account  that  they  are  enabled  to  believe  that 
their  heavenly  Father  does  every  thing  for  good  to  them  that  love 
him. 

2.  Full  assurance  of  hope  enables  them  to  believe  whatever  God 
is  pleased  to  reveal  concerning  himself,  because  that  there  is  now  a 
greater  nearness  to  God  than  heretofore,  and  the  more  knowledge 
the  believer  has  of  God,  the  more  acquaintance  he  has  with  himself, 
whereby  he  is  made  to  behold  his  own  impotence  and  ignorance ;  for 
until  such  time  as  the  believer  attains  to  some  degree  of  assurance, 
carnal  reason  will  retard  his  progress  in  the  exercise  of  faith,  par- 
ticularly in  some  points  that  are  beyond  his  rational  comprehension. 
For  the  more  assurance  the  believer  attains  unto,  the  more  carnal 
reason  is  overcome ;  and  therefore  forms  a  just  idea  of  the  infinite 
disproportion  that  is  between  him  and  that  Infinite  Being  in  whom 
he  confides.  Believing  that  God's  proceedings  with  all  his  crea- 
tures, are  in  infinite  wisdom,  justice  and  holiness;  and  that  the 
Judge  of  the  whole  earth  will  .do  right ;  and  this  is  one  great  means 
whereby  the  children  of  God  are  kept  from  apostatizing  from  the 
great  fundament/il  articles  of  the  Christian  faith  ;  and  for  want  of 
which  many  in  the  present  day  run  into  such  extremes  of  error,  in 
turning  the  true  meaning  of  the  sacred  Scriptures,  in  those  very 
essential  articles  of  the  Christian  faith,  contrary  to  the  very  literal 
meaning  of  them.  This  comes  to  pass  by  leaning  too  much  on  their 
own  carnal  wisdom  and  judgment — so  they  conclude  that  God  has 
a  different  meaning  from  what  his  word  conveys,  and  that  impeni- 
tent sinners  shall  pass  with  impunity.  From  such  errors  as  drown 
the  wicked  in  perdition,  those  that  have  a  well  founded  hope  are 
finally  preserved. 

3.  The  grace  of  assurance  will  be  of  the  greatest  use  in  our  last 
conflict  with  death,  knowing  that  Christ  has  taken  away  the  sting  of 
death,  and  that  death  itself  will  be  destroyed ;  so  that  the  assured 
Christian  is  made  to  rejoice,  that  he  has  no  cause  to  fear  that  any 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


289 


ill  consequence  will  attend  his  exit  out  of  time  into  eternity ;  and  it 
enables  him  not  only  to  submit  to,  but  also  to  obey,  with  cheerful- 
ness, the  messenger  his  heavenly  Father  sends  ;  being  confident, 
upon  good  grounds,  that  he  will  be  admitted  into  the  society  of 
"the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,"  and  so  ever  be  with  the 
Lord ;  where  the  weary  are  at  perfect  rest,  and  the  wicked  forever 
cease  from  troubling.  The  assurance  of  this  is  a  prelibation  or  a 
foretaste  of  that  heavenly  glory  that  awaits  all  the  children  of  God 
in  a  coming  world. 

Dear  brethren,  let  these  things  sink  deep  into  your  hearts, 
whereby  ye  may  be  found  in  the  lively  exercise  of  every  grace,  and 
in  the  faithful  discharge  of  every  duty;  and  be  enabled,  with  pa- 
tience, to  run  the  race  that  is  set  before  you,  "  still  looking  to  Jesus 
who  is  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith." 

Now,  unto  him  who  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling,  and  present 
you  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory,  with  exceeding  joy. 
To  the  only  wise  God,   our   Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty,   domi- 
nion and  power,  both  now  and  forever."     Ainen. 
Signed  by  order  of  the  Association, 

Isaac  Skillman,  Moderator. 

BuRGiss  Allison,  Clerk. 

I     Rev.  Curtis  Gilbert,  of  Rocksberry,  died  in  the  year  past.         | 


THE  MINISTERS  AND   MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,   AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

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1  Samuel  .Jones,  D.  D., 
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}  William  Blair, 
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'  Henry  Smalley,  A.  M., 
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John  Boggs,"^ 

f  David  Jones,  A.  M., 
-<  Daniel  Cornog, 
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(^  James  Ross, 

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0 

2 

171 

37 


290 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


CHURCHES.                            MINISTERS  AND    MESSENGERS. 

•3 

n 

1 

-3 

2 

o 

8 

■3 

1 

a 

n 

cS^ 

fi 

K 

f^ 

ft 

s 

Brandywine, 
Montgomery, 

'Joshua  Vaughan, 
James  Shields, 
William  Simpson, 
John  Garrett, 
William  Griffith, 

17 
0 

2 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

3 
0 

66 
23 

Peter  Evans, 
Charles  Humphries, 
Edmond  Pennington, 

Tulpehokin,t 
Kingwood, 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

2 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

2 

0 
76 

James  Drake, 
David  Stout, 

Haight's  Town, 

Peter  Wilson,  A.  M., 

20 

0 

6 

1 

0 

3 

271 

Philadelphia, 
Southampton, 

^  Thomas  Ustick,  A.  M., 
William  Eogers,  D.  D., 
Morgan  Edwards,  A.M. 
Samuel  Miles,  Esq., 
Thomas  Shields,  Esq., 
John  M'Leod, 
George  Ingolls, 
Aaron  Vanhorn, 

6 

2 

7 
0 

1 

3 

3 
0 

1 

0 

1 
1 

124 

55 

Benjamin  Bennett, 
Thomas  Folwell, 
Elias  Yerkes,  jr., 
William  Watts, 

KnoTvlton,! 

Daniel  Vaughan,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

43 

Hartford,! 

John  Davies,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

120 

New  Britain, 

'  Joshua  Jones, 
James  Dungan, 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

27 

Salem, 
Dividing  Creek, 

New  Mills,                     1 

■  Isaac  Skillman,  A.  M., 
'  Ephraim  Lloyd, 
'  John  Walker, 
f 

2 
15 

3 

2 
0 

2 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

3 

4 

0 

5 

2 

3 

62 
50 

88 

Jonadab  Shepherd, 

Isaac  Carlisle, 
David  Gaskill, 
Joseph  Barber, 

Konoloway,t 

Joseph  Powell,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Coram,  f 
Upper  Freehold, 

0 
3 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

30 
75 

;  John  Stephens, 
Edward  Taylor, 

4 

0 

2 

Philip's  Patent, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Pittsgrove,t 
Manahawkin, 

Vincent, 

0 
0 

2 

0 

0 

2 

0 
0 

2 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

0 
0 

24 

0 

1 

John  Gwin, 

MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


291 


1 

«  fe 

V 

■a 

a 

8 

■6 

2 

CHURCHES. 

ministers  and  messengers. 

■| 

ii 

1 

o 

03 

a 

n 
36 

4 

5 
26 

1 

ft 

a 

Tuckahoe, 

Isaac  Bunnel, 

3 

14 

46 

Cow  Marsh, 

f  Joseph  Flood, 
1  John  Gruwell, 

6 

0 

1 

0 

2 

1 

33 

London  Tract, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 
John  Whitting, 

'James  M'Laughlin, 

1 

0 

1 

0 

1 

0 

37 

Hilltown, 

Enoch  Thomas, 
Isaac  Morris, 
Robert  Shannon, 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

104 

Lower  Smithfield,f 

David  Jatne,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Baltimore, 

f  Lewis  Richards,* 
<  William  Clingan, 
[  Charles  P.  Polk, 

4 

3 

0 

0 

1 

2 

65 

Bryn  Sion, 
Duck  Creek, 

'  James  Jones, 
John  Patton, 
Gideon  Ferrol, 

^  Samuel  Davis, 

3 

0 

1 

0 

0 

4 

81 

Wilmington, 

f  Thomas  Ainger,* 
^  Thomas  Brooks, 
[Abram  Simson, 

1 

1 

1 

0 

2 

0 

52 

Jacob's  Town, 

f  BuRGiss  Allison,  A.  M. 
( James  Cox, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

59 

Pittstown, 

James  Finn, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

134 

Marcus  Hook, 
Rocksberry, 

f  Eliphaz  Dazet, 
-  Richard  Riley, 
George  White, 

2 

2 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0. 

0 

1 

18 
46 

John  Levering, 
Anthony  Levering, 
^  Wickard  Jacoby, 

Falls  Township, 

f  Alexander  M'Gowan, 
<  Malachi  Richardson, 
[George  White, 

8 

4 

2 

0 

0 

0 

35 

Sideling  HiU, 

Thomas  Runtan, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

47 

West  Creek, 

0 
160 

0 
30 

0 
64 

0 

7, 

0 

18 

0 
63 

28 
2810 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers 
in  italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked  thus  f 
received  no  intelligence.      A  dash  denotes  no   settled  minister. 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD^  BY  SPECIAL  APPOINTMENT,  AT  SOUTHAMPTON,  BUCKS  COUNTY, 
PENNSYLVANIA,  OCTOBER  29tH  AND   30tH, 

1793. 

[Having  been  prevented  meeting,  at  the  time  appointed,  in  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia, by  a  prevailing  infectious  disdorder,  with  which  God,  in  his  providence, 
has  been  pleased  to  visit  that  city.] 


October  29th. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  M.,  the  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  the  Rev.  David  Jones,  from  1  Cor.  xv.  24,  25: 
"  Then  cometh  the  end,  when  he  shall  have  delivered  up  the  kingdom 
to  God,  even  the  Father;  when  he  shall  have  put  down  all  rule,  and 
all  authority  and  power.  For  he  must  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all 
enemies  under  his  feet." 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

2.  October  30th. — Met,  agreeably  to  adjournment.  Rev.  Oliver 
Hart  was  chosen  moderator,  and  the  Rev.  Burgiss  Allison,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  seventeen  churches  were  read. 

4.  A  letter  from  the  Elkhorn,  Kentucky  Association,  was  received 
and  read,  with  their  minutes,  and  Brother  David  Jones  appointed  to 
answer  it  at  his  leisure  ;  and  transmit  the  answer  by  the  first  good 
opportunity. 

5.  Dr.  Jones  was  requested  to  write  to  the  Danbury  Association, 
in  the  name  of  this  Association,  in  reference  to  their  circular  letter 
of  last  year. 

6.  Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  in  the  19th  section  of 
our  last  year's  minutes,  still  be  continued  for  the  purposes  therein 
mentioned. 

7.  The  Association,  taking  into  consideration  the  awful  dispensa- 
tions of  Divine  Providence  in  the  epidemical  disorder  now  raging  in 
the  city  of  Philadelphia,  together  with  the  great  drouglit  in  our  part 
of  the  country,  and  general  declension  in  vital  piety,  recommend  that 
Tuesday,  the  12th  day  of  November  ensuing,  be  observed  as  a  day 
of  humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer,  throughout  our  churches  ;  and 
should  it  please  God  to  remove  any  part  of  those  judgments  previous 
to  that  day,  that  his  mercy  therein  be  remembered  with  public 
thanksgiving  at  the  same  time. 

(292) 


•    MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  293 

8.  The  churches  are  warned  against  receiving  Joseph  Stephens, 
late  pastor  of  Upper  Freehold  church,  or  admitting  him  to  preach 
amongst  them,  being  an  excommunicated  person,  and  holding  the 
erroneous  doctrine  of  universal  salvation. 

Brother  Memminger  to  preach  at  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 
Adjourned  to  half-past  three  o'clock,  P.  m. 

9.  Met,  agreeably  to  adjournment. — Brother  Fleeson  having  been 
appointed  to  write  a  circular  letter  in  consequence  of  Brother  Smalley 
not  bringing  forward  the  one  he  was  nominated  last  Association  to 
write,  accordingly  wrote  one,  which,  being  read,  was  approved. 

10.  Brother  Smalley  was  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter  for 
the  ensuing  year,  upon  the  subject  on  which  he  was  to  have  written 
for  the  present. 

11.  Mr.  Allison  requested  the  messengers  to  give  information  to 
the  members  of  their  respective  churches,  if  any  more  family  Bibles 
should  be  wanting,  that  Mr.  Collins  has  yet  some  of  his  impression 
on  hand. 

12.  The  Association  to  meet  next  year  at  Philadelphia,  on  the 
first  Tuesday  in  October,  at  three  o'clock,  p.  M. 

13.  Brother  Allison  is  appointed  to  preach  the  introductory  ser- 
mon ;  and,  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  M'Laughlin. 

14.  Brother  Allison  is  also  requested  to  superintend  the  printing 
of  the  minutes,  and  to  disperse  the  same. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  REV  THOMAS  FLEESON. 

The  elders  and  brethren  of  the  several  churches  belonging  to  the 
Philadelphia  Baptist  Association,  met,  by  special  appointment,  at 
Southampton,  in  the  county  of  Bucks,  October  29th  and  30th,  1793. 

To  the  churches  in  union  with  us,  send  greeting. 

Beloved  in  the  Lord, — In  a  course  of  Divine  Providence,  we  were 
favored  to  meet  at  this  place,  and,  blessed  be  God,  our  meeting  has 
been  comfortable.  We  trust  we  have  had  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  the  great  and  exalted  head  of  the  church.  In  all  our 
deliberations  we  have  had  a  view  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  peace 
and  comfort  of  the  church  of  Christ. 

The  contagious  disorder  with  which  the  Lord  has  been  pleased  to 
visit  the  city,  the  present  great  and  uncommon  drought,  the  sad 
decay  of  vital  piety,  are  circumstances  of  a  very  alarming  nature, — 
are  sure  indications  of  the  displeasure  of  Almighty  God,  and  call 
aloud  for  deep  humiliation  before  the  Lord.  How  necessary  is  it 
that  we  should  lay  these  things  seriously  to  heart ;  that  we  should 
consider  the  cause  of  the  Lord's  displeasure ;  that  we  should  repent 
and  do  our  first  works  ;  that  we  should  turn  to  the  Lord  with  all  our 
hearts,  with  weeping,  fasting,  and  mourning, — rend  our  hearts,  and 
not  our  garments,  and  turn  unto  the  Lord  our  God,  who  is  gracious 
and  merciful ;  slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindness,  and  repenteth 
him  of  the  evil. 

The  accounts  from  our  churches  are  such  as  give  pleasure  and 
pain ;  pleasure,  when  we  consider  the  peace  and  unanimity  which 


294 


MINtlTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATIOX. 


generally  prevail;  pain,  from  the  consideration  of  a  too  general  de- 
clension, and  the  small  addition  to  our  churches. 

0,  dear  brethren,  be  engaged  with  the  Lord,  that  he  would  revive 
his  work,  that  his  threatened  judgments  may  be  averted,  that  we  may 
enjoy  his  presence,  that  a  spirit  of  grace  and  supplication  may  be 
poured  out  upon  us,  and  that  we  may  revive  as  the  corn,  and  grow 
as  the  vine. 

And  now,  dear  brethren,  committing  you  to  God  and  the  word  of 
his  grace,  which  is  able  to  build  you  up,  and  to  give  you  an  inherit- 
ance among  all  them  that  are  sanctified. 

We  remain  yours  in  the  Lord, 

Oliver  Hart,  Moderator, 
BuRGiss  Allison,  Clerk. 

THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS  AT   THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


Pennepek, 

Middletown, 
Piscataqua,t 
Cohansie,t 
Welsh  Tract,t 

Great  Valley, 

Cape  May,f 

Hopewell, 

Brandywine, 

Montgomery, 

Tulpehokin,f 
Kingwood,t 
Haight's  Town,! 
Philadelphia, 

Southampton, 

Knowlton.t 
Hartford,! 

New  Britain, 

Salem,t 
Dividing  Creek, 


{Samuel  Jones,  D.  D., 
Benjamin  Dungan, 
John  Holmes, 

Benjamin  Bennet, 

Reune  Runtan,* 

Henry  Smalley,  A.  M.,* 

John  Boggs,* 

f  Dayid  .Jones,  A.  M., 
[  Daniel  Cornog, 

John  Stancliff,* 

I  Oliver  Hart,  A.  M., 
\  John  Black  well, 

Joshua  Vaughan, 

5  Charles  Humphries, 
(  John  Harris, 


Peter  "Wilson,  A.  M.,* 

Thomas  Ustick,  A.  M.* 

r  Arthur  Watts, 
■<  Elias  Dungan, 
[  William  Watts, 

Daniel  Vaughan,* 

John  Davis,* 

(  Joshua  Jones, 
<  Edward  Matthew, 
(  James  Dungan, 

Isaac  Skilman,  A.  M.,* 


0   0 


0  0 
0  0 


1  0 
0  0 
0  0 


0  1 
0  0 


61 
142 
141 
127 
114 


49 

163 
72 

22 
0 

76; 
271 
124 

54 
43 


0  120 


0  26 

01  62 
ol  01  50 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


295 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

•a 

■-S 

§■ 

pq 

5 

ll 

«^ 

3 

t 
2 

a 
s 

X 

1 

ri 

1 
£ 

1 

o 

0 

1 
92 

New  Mills, 

( David  Gaskill, 
\  Benjamin  Hedger, 

Konoloway,t 

Joseph  Powell,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Coram,! 
Upper  Freehold, 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 
0 

30 
72 

1  Edward  Taylor, 

1 

2 

Pittsgrove.t 
Manahawkin,t 

0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

Vincent, 
Tuckahoe,t 

3 
0 

0 
0 

1 

0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

24 

46 

Isaac  Bunnell,* 

0 

0 

Cow  Marsh,! 

Joseph  Flood, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

33 

London  Tract, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

1 

0 

35 

Hilltown, 

f  James  M'Laughlin, 
■<  Isaac  Morris, 
(  James  Lunn, 

0 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

101 

Lower  Smithfield,! 

David  Jatne,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Baltimore,! 

Lewis  Richards,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

65 

Byrn  Sion, 
Duck  Creek, 

>  James  Jones,* 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

81 

Wilmington,! 

Thomas  Ainger,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

52 

Jacob's  Town, 

f  BuRGiss  Allison,  A.  M., 
<  Thomas  Memminger, 
(  James  Cox, 

2 

0 

1 

0 

2 

0 

58 

Pittstown,! 

James  Finn,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

134 

Marcus  Hook,! 

Eliphaz  Dazey, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

18 

Rocksberry, 

C  William  White, 
<  John  Levering, 
(  Michael  Conrad, 

0 

2 

1 

0 

1 

0 

46 

Penn's  Manor, 

S  Alexander  M'Gowen, 
/  Malachi  Richardson, 

2 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

35 

Sideling  Hill,! 

Thomas  Runyan, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

47 

West  Creek,! 

0 
40 

0 
14 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

21 

6 

15 

0 

2817 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers  in 
italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  churches  marked  thus  ! 
received  no  letter.     A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES 

OF   THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD   AT   PHILADELPHIA,    OCTOBER   7tH;    8tH;   AND   9tH, 

1794. 


October  7. — At  3  o'clock,  p.  m..  Rev.  Brother  Joshua  Jones 
delivered  the  introductory  sermon,  from  2d  Corinthians  ii.  2,  "  For 
I  determined  not  to  know  any  thing  among  you  save  Jesus  Christ, 
and  him  crucified." 

2.  After  worship,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother 
Oliver  Hart. 

3.  Proceeded  to  business.  Brother  William  Rogers,  D.  D.,  was 
chosen  moderator,  and  Brother  Thomas  Memminger,  clerk. 

4.  Letters  from  twenty-eight  churches  were  read. 

5.  The  business  of  the  day  was  closed  with  prayer  by  the  mode- 
rator. 

Adjourned  until  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
October  8. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

6.  The  business  of  the  day  was  opened  with  prayer,  by  Brother 
Morgan  Edwards. 

7.  A  letter  was  received  and  read  from  the  church  in  Buffalo 
Valley,  Northumberland  county,  State  of  Pennsylvania,  requesting 
to  be  received  into  this  Association.  Postponed,  no  messenger  ap- 
pearing to  receive  the  right-hand  of  fellowship. 

8.  Letters  were  received  and  read  from  the  Associations  of  New 
York,  of  1798  and  1794  ;  Vermont,  of  1791 ;  Shaftsbury,  of  1794  ; 
Charleston,  of  1792  and  1793 ;  Danbury,  of  1793 ;  and  Stoning- 
ton,  of  1792  and  1793 ;  and  printed  minutes,*from  those  of  New 
York,  of  1793 ;  Vermont,  of  1791  and  1792  ;  Warren,  of  1793 ; 
Shaftsbury,  of  1792,  1793,  and  1794  ;  Danbury,  of  1793  ;  Charles- 
ton, of  1792  and  1793 ;  Middle  District,  South  of  James'  River,  of 
1791 ;  and  Bethel,  of  1792. 

9.  Brother  Vanhorn  attended  and  was  received  as  a  messenger 
from  the  New  York  Association ;  as  did  Brother  Webb,  from  that 
of  Shaftsbury. 

(296) 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  297 

10.  The  following  brethren  to  write  to  the  corresponding  Asso- 
ciations, viz :  Samuel  Jones,  to  that  of  New  York  ;  Peter  Wilson,  to 
that  of  Warren  ;  David  Loof  borrow,  to  that  of  Shaftsbury ;  Isaac 
Carlisle,  to  that  of  Vermont ;  William  White,  to  that  of  Danbury ; 
Oliver  Hart,  at  his  leisure,*  to  that  of  Charleston  ;  and  Thomas 
Ustick,  to  that  of  Stonington,  when  convenient. 

11.  The  churches  of  Cow  Marsh,  Welsh  Tract,  Duck  Creek,  and 
Wilmington,  request  the  approbation  and  dismission  of  this  Asso- 
ciation to  join  another. 

It  is  considered  and  decided  that  the  churches  have  an  undoubted 
right  to  depart  from  this  Association,  and  to  join  any  other  they 
may  see  fit  ;  but  this  Association,  having  been  happy  in  their  con- 
nection, wish  them  to  continue  in  union  with  them  as  long  as  (con- 
sistently with  their  own  interests)  they  can  ;  but  if  they  choose  to 
withdraw  and  join  any  other,  we  consent. 

12.  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  different  churches 
in  this  Association,  to  institute  the  chatechising  of  children  in  their 
respective  congregations,  at  stated  seasons. 

13.  Two  queries  from  the  church  at  Philadelphia,  viz  : 

First,  Whether  the  word  exhibited  would  not  be  preferable  to  the 
word  offered,  in  question  34th  of  the  Catechism,  and  in  other 
places  where  it  is  used  in  the  same  sense  9 

Determined,  That  the  word  offered  be  expunged,  and  the  words 
held  forth  be  inserted  in  the  place  thereof.     And, 

That  a  committee,  consisting  of  Brother  Samuel  Jones,  Brother 
William  Rogers,  and  Brother  Thomas  Ustick,  be  appointed  to  revise 
the  whole  of  the  Catechism,  and  to  recommend  such  alterations  to 
the  next  Association  as  to  them  may  seem  proper. 

Second,  Would  it  not  be  advisable  for  the  churches  in  this  connec- 
tion to  make  it  their  invariable  practice  to  transmit  a  return  of  the 
reception  of  persons  by  letter,  to  the  churches  by  whom  they  were 
dismissed  ? 

Determined  in  the  affirmative. 

14.  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  that  the  minutes  of  the 
different  Associations  in  correspondence  with  this  be  printed  in 
quarto. 

15.  A  query  from  the  church  at  Sideling  Hill,  viz :  Shall  the 
evidence  of  a  non-member  be  taken  as  valid  against  a  member  ? 

Determined  that  it  be  left  to  every  church  to  judge  for  themselves 
in  every  instance  of  this  nature. 

16.  Brother  William  Vanhorn,  having  been  appointed  Librarian 
to  this  Association,  some  years  past,  begs  leave  to  resign. 

17.  The  business  of  the  morning  was  closed  with  prayer  by 
Brother  Peter  Wilson. 

Adjourned  until  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  m. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

18.  Business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother  William  Van- 
horn. 

19.  Letters  were  received  and  read  from  the  churches  of  Balti- 

38 


298  MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

more  and  Hartford,  in  Maryland,  requesting  a  dismission  from  this 
to  the  Baltimore  Association. 

Determined,  That  their  request  be  granted. 

20.  The  circular  letter  was  read,  and  Brother  Samuel  Jones, 
Brother  Oliver  Hart,  and  Brother  Thomas  Ustick,  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  revise  the  same. 

21.  Minutes  of  this   Association,  from  the  beginning  thereof  to 
the  year   1793,    inclusive,   bound  together,  were  presented  to  the  • 
Association  by  Brother  Morgan  Edwards.     The  unanimous  thanks 
of  the  Association  were  directed  to  be  given  him  for  his  present. 

22.  In  consequence  of  information  communicated  to  the  Associa- 
tion by  Brother  William  Rogers,  it  is  desired  that  all  donations  for 
the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  among  the  Hindoos,  in  the  East 
Indies,  be  forwarded  to  him. 

23.  Letters  written  to  the  New  York  and  Warren  Associations 
were  read  and  approved,  and  the  following  brethren  appointed  as 
messengers  to  New  York,  viz  :  Samuel  Jones,  Peter  Wilson,  and 
Thomas  Memminger. 

24.  The  next  Association,  by  divine  permission,  to  meet  in  Phila- 
delphia on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  Anno  Domini,  1795. 

25.  Brother  Peter  Wilson  to  preach  the  introductory  sermon  ; 
and,  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  Thomas  Ustick. 

26.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  to  write  the  circular  letter. 

27.  Brother  Thomas  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  print- 
ing of  the  minutes,  and  forward  them  to  the  churches. 

28.  Supplies  granted  to  Great  Valley. 

29.  Supplies  to  Kingwood,  New  Jersey. 

30.  It  is  earnestly  and  warmly  recommended  to  the  ministering 
brethren  in  the  neighborhood  of  Manahawkin,  West  Creek,  and 
Tuckahoe,  to  visit  those  places  as  often  as  they  conveniently  can. 

31.  The  business  of  the  day  was  closed  with  prayer  by  Brother 
Samuel  Jones. 

Adjourned  until  six  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Brother  Webb  preached  this  evening  from  Ephesians,  ii.  13, 
"But  now,  in  Christ  Jesus,  ye  who  sometimes  were  afar  off,  are 
made  nigh  by  the  blood  of  Christ." 

October  9th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

32.  The  business  of  the  day  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother 
David  Loof  borrow. 

33.  The  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  circular  letter,  written 
by  Brother  Henry  Smalley,  revised  the  same,  and  made  report 
accordingly. 

34.  Letters  written  to  the  Danbury,  Vermont,  and  Shaftsbury 
Associations;  were  read  and  approved.  Brother  Thomas  Memminger 
was  appointed  a  messenger  to  the  Shaftsbury  Association. 

35.  The  business  of  the  Association  being  gone  through,  it  was 
closed  with  a  suitable  address  and  prayer  by  the  moderator. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  299 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  REV.  HENRY    SMALLEY,  A.  M. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  several  churches  met  in  Asso- 
ciation, in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  October,  1794. 

To  the  churches  in  union  with  the  Association,  send  greeting  : 

Dearly  beloved  brethren, — According  to  the  order  observed  in 
our  excellent  Confession  of  faith,  the  subject  from  which  we  shall 
address  you  in  this  circular  letter,  is  the  Law  of  God,  commonly 
called  the  Moral  Law,  by  some  the  law  of  reason  and  the  law  of 
nature,  because  it  is  agreeable  to  the  reason  and  nature  of  things, 
and  was  perfectly  understood  by  our  first  parents  in  a  state  of 
purity. 

False  apprehensions  of  this  law,  have  constituted  and  spread 
extensive  error  and  confusion,  confirmed  men  in  sin  and  rebellion 
against  the  throne  of  Jehovah,  and  eclipsed  the  glory  of  gospel 
grace.  It  is  of  great  importance,  therefore,  that  we  entertain  just 
ideas  of  the  divine  law  :  which  law  may  be  defined,  "  That  relation 
which  necessarily  exists  between  the  Creator  and  the  creature ;  and 
will  everlastingly  continue  necessary  to  exist,  though  not  indepen- 
dent of  the  divine  will."  If  this  definition  be  just,  the  law  of  God 
is  not  arbitrarily  imposed  on  his  creatures  ;  it  results  from  their 
relation  to  their  God  and  to  each  other. 

Jehovah  is  our  Creator  and  kind  protector,  the  being  of  beings, 
his  excellence  infinitely  transcends  all  derived  excellence  ;  he  ought 
therefore  to  be  loved  for  what  he  is  in  and  of  himself,  as  well  as  for 
the  relation  he  stands  in  to  his  creatures.  Nothing  can  destroy  the 
obligation  of  rational  beings  to  love  their  God.  Our  possessing 
hearts  of  enmity  against  God,  is  so  far  from  rendering  us  excusable 
for  not  loving  and  serving  him,  that  it  is  the  very  thing,  in  which 
our  criminality  consists.  Has  the  creature  a  right  to  hate  his  God  ? 
Surely  not.  If  he  has  no  right  to  hate,  he  ought  to  love.  There  is 
no  medium  in  the  present  case  :  We  must  either  bless  God,  or  curse 
him.  But  let  us  not  refer  the  present  question  to  the  partial  deci- 
sions of  men ;  let  us  attend  to  the  awful  and  majestic  voice  of  God, 
in  the  ten  commands  promulgated  from  Mount  Sinai, — which  com- 
mands, so  far  as  they  are  moral,  are  of  personal  and  perpetual 
obligation ;  were  written  in  the  hearts  of  our  first  parents,  in  their 
state  of  innocency,  and  are  written  on  the  heart  of  every  son  and 
daughter  of  Adam,  that  has  been  born  again,  by  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  and  the  power  of  his  grace.  This  law,  we  have  summarily 
comprehended  by  our  Lord,  in  Matt.  xxii.  37-39,  "  Jesus  saith  unto 
him,  thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God,  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with 
all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great 
commandment.  And  the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbor  as  thyself.  On  these  two  commandments  hang  all  the  law 
and  the  prophets."  "Love,"  says  the  Apostle,  "is  the  fulfilling 
of  the  law." 

The  law  of  God  refers  to  the  whole  man,  "  Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God,  tvith  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with 


300  MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

all  thy  mind.'"  The  heart  is  required,  the  reason  is  obvious  ;  reli- 
gion consists  in  the  disposition,  and  a  man  may  work  to  eternity, — 
if  his  heart  is  not  in  the  work,  it  is  nothing.  "  Though  I  bestow 
all  my  goods  to  feed  the  poor,  and  though  I  give  my  body  to  be 
burned,  and  have  not  charity,"  true  love  to  God  and  man,  "it  pro- 
fiteth  me  nothing." 

This  law  being  founded  in  reason  and  righteousness,  being  the 
unchangable  and  everlasting  rule  of  equity ;  as  far  as  our  actions 
are  in  agreement  with  it,  they  are  right ;  and  as  far  as  they  deviate 
from  its  just  requisitions,  they  are  wrong.  Christ  "  came  not  to 
destroy  the  law,  but  to  fulfil."  Unbelievers  are  as  much  under 
the  curse  of  the  law,  as  though  our  Lord  had  never  obeyed  it  in  his 
own  person.  See  John  iii.  18,  36.  And  those  who  have  a  true 
and  living  faith  in  Christ,  are  as  much  under  the  moral  law,  as  a 
rule  of  duty,  as  ever  they  were.  They  have  received  a  free  and 
complete  pardon  of  all  their  sins.  "  There  is  no  condemnation  to 
those  that  are  in  Christ  Jesus."  But  notwithstanding  the  penalty 
of  the  law  cannot  hurt  the  believer,  he  delights  in  the  law  of  God 
after  the  inner  man,  and  shall  finally  be  brought  into  perfect  con- 
formity to  its  holy  dictates.  Those  who  are  not  conformed  to  the 
holy  law  of  God  in  this  world,  must  forever  feel  its  awful  penalty, 
eternal  damnation. 

We  now  proceed  to  the  second  grand  division  of  this  subject,  as 
made  by  our  Divine  Teacher :  "  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as 
thyself."  If  ever  there  was  a  period  in  which  this  precept  required 
serious  attention,  it  could  not  require  it  more  than  the  present,  when 
general  discord  pervades  the  nations. 

The  great  Creator  has  thought  fit,  that  mankind  should  be  united 
together  in  society.  Mutual  love  and  agreement  are  necessary  to 
the  prosperity  of  society ;  and  it  is  as  impossible  to  conceive  of  a 
happy  community,  whose  members  shall  hate  each  other ;  as  it  is  to 
conceive  of  a  material  system,  where  repulsion  shall  universally  take 
place. 

The  man  who  loves  others  as  himself  will  discover  this  affection, 
by  promoting  the  good  of  his  neighbor,  in  every  thing  that  concerns 
either  his  body,  his  mind,  his  fortune,  or  reputation.  We  show  our 
love  to  our  neighbor  by  doing  him  no  injury  ourselves,  and  by  pre- 
venting others  from  injuring  him  ;  by  doing  him  justice  in  all  things, 
and  by  promoting  his  temporal  and  eternal  happiness.  Those  sel- 
fish, narrow-hearted  people,  who  frequently  boast  that  they  have 
done  no  hurt,  are  only  negatively  good,  mere  cyphers  in  creation, 
unworthy  the  dignified  character  of  loyal  benevolent  beings ;  and 
are  wholly  unfitted  for  a  place  in  that  more  extensive  future  society, 
which  will  consist  of  beings  ennobled  by  virtue  and  true  benevo- 
lence. Love  for  our  neighbor  will  incline  us  to  do  him  justice  in  his 
property  and  reputation. 

The  property  received  from  a  parent,  who  is  in  duty  obliged  to 
provide  for  his  offspring ;  property  acquired  by  a  person's  own  inge- 
nuity or  industry,  and  property  acquired  by  purchase  ;  these  are 


MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  301 

all  lawful,  and  it  is  iniquitous  for  any  one  to  deprive  us  of  such 
established  rights.  Whoever  loves  his  neighbor  as  himself  will  be 
as  tender  of  his  property,  as  he  "wishes  others  to  be  of  his  own ; 
and  will  be  more  fearful  of  breaking  in  upon  another's  right,  than 
of  losing  a  part  of  what  he  himself  possesses.  Whoever  is  raised 
to  a  station  of  power  or  influence,  and  takes  the  advantage  of  this 
power  to  oppress  his  fellow  creatures,  shows  himself  not  only  unjust 
but  base  ;  for  the  heart  where  the  law  of  kindness  dwells,  contemns 
every  unfair  action.  And  how  cruel  is  it,  in  such  a  person,*to  ap- 
propriate to  his  own  use  the  property  of  the  poor  and  indigent,  who 
should  rather  be  ready  to  relieve  their  wants,  when  they  look  up  to 
him  in  their  distress.  The  withholding  of  a  just  debt,  all  breaches 
of  trust,  all  undue  advantages  taken  by  the  trader,  in  commerce 
and  traffic,  are  iniquitous,  and  deserve  the  severest  punishment. 

We  have  already  observed,  that  a  man  of  real  goodness  will  not 
injure  his  neighbor's  reputation.  It  is  a  just  remark  of  an  eminent 
author,  that  every  man  has  a  right  to  be  thought  and  spoken  of 
agreeably  to  his  real  character.  Whoever  then  is  the  cause  why 
his  neighbor  is  not  considered  in  the  light  he  deserves,  grossly 
violates  this  sacred  rule  of  duty,  nor  is  he  possessed  of  true  bene- 
volence. One  of  the  greatest  injuries  against  our  neighbor's  repu- 
tation, is  falsehood  in  testimony.  To  open  a  door  to  villany,  to 
blast  the  character  of  an  innocent  person,  are  crimes  of  the  deepest 
die ;  and  few  punishments  can  be  too  severe  for  such  as  are  guilty 
of  them.  The  voice  both  of  Moses  and  of  Christ,  breathes  love, 
peace,  and  good-will  to  man  ;  a  temper  conformed  to  its  dictates, 
will  shudder  at  the  idea  of  spreading  a  false  report.  Even  insinua- 
tions, by  which  an  innocent  character  may  be  blemished,  are  cruel 
and  impolitic.  They  are  cruel,  because  they  spring  from  malevo- 
lence of  heart,  and  prove  too  often  fatal  to  the  peace  and  prospects 
of  the  unhappy  victims  ;  they  are  irrational,  because  our  own  cha- 
racters are  in  the  hands  of  others,  and  our  temporal  concerns  at 
their  disposal. 

The  malicious  causeless  defamer,  is  certainly  among  the  most 
abandoned  characters  in  the  world ;  neither  profit,  honor,  nor  plea- 
sure, can  he  propose  to  himself,  from  the  practice  of  his  extraordi- 
nary disposition,  unless  the  indulgence  of  malice  be  a  pleasure  ;  and 
if  so,  Satan  has  no  inconsiderable  share  of  happiness.  The  defamer 
has  been  justly  compared  to  the  dark  assassin,  who  murders  without 
giving  notice  of  his  intention.  Here  then  is  a  law  attended  with  no 
inconveniences,  which  not  only  leads  us  to  the  great  duties  we  owe  to 
our  God,  but  also  to  the  exercise  of  the  first  social  duties  to  each 
other,  as  well  as  to  practice  those  which  we  owe  to  ourselves. 

Human  laws  are  numerous,  and  too  burdensome  to  the  memory, 
and  frequently  raise  disputes  rather  than  intimate  duty.  But  this 
worthy  maxim  is  free  from  all  perplexities  ;  the  most  uninformed 
mind  can  scarcely  misapprehend  it,  and  the  weakest  memories  are 
capable  of  retaining  it.  This  precept  lies  ready  on  all  occasions ; 
we  need  but  glance,  as  it  were,  upon  oui'  own  minds,  where  it  abides 


302  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

and  shines  like  the  polar  star,  to  direct  the  course  of  the  mariner. 
This  injunction  of  our  divine  Redeemer  is  of  vast  and  comprehen- 
sive influence,  extending  to  all  ranks  and  conditions  of  men,  and  to 
all  kinds  of  action  and  intercourse  between  them,  to  matters  of  cha- 
rity as  well  as  justice,  to  negative  as  well  as  positive  duties,  to 
communities  as  well  as  individuals.  But  the  law  of  God  is  not 
recommended  to  us  by  its  own  intrinsic  excellence  only ;  how  many 
and  how  great  are  the  advantages  arising  from  a  strict  observance 
of  it?«  The  satisfaction  it  afl"ords  a  rational  mind,  is  certainly  most 
refined  and  lasting.  From  hence  arise  pleasures  that  will  flourish  in 
the  winter  of  adversity,  illuminate  death,  and  exist  beyond  time. 
The  man  who  is  conformed  to  the  divine  law,  has  the  approbation 
of  his  own  conscience,  his  great  soul  ever  possesses  a  continued 
source  of  substantial  delight.  In  the  near  approach  of  death,  peace 
shall  dawn  upon  his  mind,  like  the  radiance  of  the  morning ;  and  as 
the  exiled  captive  exults  with  the  hopes,  that  he  is  returning  to  his 
native  home,  he  will  look  forward  with  rapture  toward  the  happy 
country  where  his  heart  has  fled  before  him. 

To  consider  the  distress  and  dangers,  to  which  a  person  who  dis- 
regards these  essential  duties  is  exposed,  afibrds  a  truly  melancholy 
prospect.  At  enmity  with  his  God,  he  cannot  be  happy  in  the 
nature  of  things ;  at  enmity  with  his  fellow  men,  they  will  conspire 
against  him  for  their  mutual  defence.  Revenge  from  some  baneful 
corner  shall  return  the  injury  on  the  defamer's  head, — his  character 
shall  bleed  by  his  own  arts, — his  faith  shall  be  questioned, — his  best 
works  misrepresented, — his  excellencies,  if  he  have  any,  be  forgotten, 
and  his  conduct  meet  with  just  and  universal  abhorrence. 

Let  us  then,  dear  brethren,  contemplate  the  law,  in  order  to  know 
our  obligations  to  God,  and  the  impossibility  of  obtaining  eternal 
life,  by  any  performances  of  our  own.  This  will  make  us  willing  to 
submit  to  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  and  enable  us  to  stand  with 
boldness  in  the  great  examination  day. 
By  the  Association, 

William  Rogees,  Moderator. 
Thomas  Memminger,  Clerk. 


MINUTES   OP    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS   AT   THE  ASSOCIATION, 
THE  STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  FOR  THE  YEAR. 


303 
AND 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

•6 

1 

•6 

a: 

i 

""3 

1 

1 

C3 

rt^ 

s 

A 

s 

H 

1 

g 

Samuel  Jones,  D.  D., 

Lower  Dublin,             ■< 

John  Holmes, 

Joseph  Wright, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

62 

Middletown, 

Benjamin  Bennet, 
John  Smock,* 

Henry  Smallet,  A.  M., 

9 

1 

1 

0 

4 

5 

144 

Cohansie, 

Nathan  Shepherd, 

i 

Jeremiah  Brooks, 

2 

0 

1 

0 

0 

6 

122 

( 

John  Boggs,* 

Welsh  Tract, 
Great  Valley, 

Ephraim  Stoops,* 
Francis  Goteer, 

33 

0 

2 

0 

1 

6 

138 

Isaac  Abraham, 
Jonathan  Phillips, 

George  Passfield, 

0 

1 

6 

0 

0 

1 

71 

Cape  May, 

John  Stancliff,* 
Oliver  Hart,  A.  M., 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

49 

Hopewell, 

John  Blackr^ell,* 
David  Stout, 

'  Joshua  Vaughan,* 

4 

0 

6 

2 

2 

5 

156 

Brandywine, 

John  Powell,* 
Robert  M'Coy,* 

Montgomery, 

John  Vaughan, 

8 
0 

4 
1 

0 
0 

0 

1 

0 
0 

2 
1 

82 
21 

Joshua  Jones, 
Charles  Humphrey, 

Kingwood,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

76 

Haight's  Town,          ! 

Peter  Wilson,  A.  M., 
Peter  Groom, 

'  Thomas  Ustick,  A.  M., 
William  Rogers,  D.  D., 
Morgan  Edwards,  A.  M., 

33 

0 

14 

0 

2 

6 

286 

Philadelphia, 

Hugh  Gorley, 
George  IngoUs, 
John  M'Leod, 

Southampton, 

Samuel  Davis,* 

7 

14 

6 

0 

0 

17 

122 

Thomas  Memminger,  A.  M. 
William  Watts, 

^William  W.  Folwell, 

8 

1 

0 

0 

1 

3 

59 

Knowlton,f 

Daniel  Vaughan,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

43 

Hartford, 
New  Britain, 

John  Davis,* 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

110 

'  Edward  Matthew,* 

.  Joseph  Dungan, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

f  Isaac  Skillman,  A.  M.,* 

Salem, 

<  Ephraim  Lloyd,* 
(John  Briggs, 

9 

4 

0 

1 

0 

7 

69 

304 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


•6 

"v    ^      P 

13 

■S     i 

N 

|>  *J      'm 

i   a 

ss    ^ 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

"p. 

^^       1 

1   ^ 

1    i 

03 

X^     O 

^  » 

o     g 

'  Garner  Hunt,* 

William  Mason,* 

Dividing  Creek, 

1  Sylvanus  Tul)man,* 

(^Nathaniel  Loring,* 

36 

110    3 

3      80 

Isaac  Carlisle, 

New  Mills, 

Benjamin  Hedger, 

David  Gaskill, 

2 

0  : 

2    0    1 

1      90 

Konoloway,f 

Joseph  Powell,* 

0 

0   < 

3    0    0 

0        0 

Coram,! 

0 

0 

3    0    0 

0      30 

Upper  Freehold, 

David  Loofborrow, 

0 

0 

3    0    0 

5      61 

Pittsgrove,t 

0 

0 

0    0    0 

0        0 

Manahawkin,t 
Vincent, 

0 

2 

0 
0 

0    0    0 
0    0    0 

0        0 
2      23 

( 

\  Thomas  Fleeson, 

Tuckahoe,t 

Isaac  Bunnel,'* 

0 

0 

0    0    0 

0      46 

Cow  Marsh, 

1  Joseph  Flood, 
\  Job  Meredith, 

3 

0 

0    0    1 

2      34 

London  Tract, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 
(  James  M'Laughlin, 

0 

3 

0    0    0 

1      39 

Hilltown, 

\  Philip  Miller, 

(  Grifiath  Owen,* 

1 

0 

3    0    0 

0      99 

Lower  Smithfield,f 

David  Jatne,* 
C  Lewis  Richards,* 

0 

Oi 

0    0    0 

0      26 

Baltimore, 

<  William  Clingan,* 

(  Charles  P.  Polk,* 

3 

6 

0    1    2 

2      69 

'  James  Jones,* 

Bryn  Sion, 

John  Patton,* 

Duck  Creek, 

Gideon  Ferrol, 

James  Davis, 

2 

0 

7    0    4 

6      66 

Wilmington, 

Thomas  Ainger,* 
f  BuRGiss  Allison,  A.  M.,* 

8 

2 

2    0    1 

3      54 

Jacob's  Town, 

\  William  Snowden, 

[  James  Cox, 

2 

0 

0    0    0 

1      59 

Pitts  to  wn,t 

James  Finn,* 

0 

0 

0    0    0 

0    134 

Marcus  Hook, 
Rocksberry, 

Eliphaz  Dazey, 

2 

0 

0    0    0 

0      20 

William  White, 
John  Levering, 

Charles  Nice, 

0 

0 

0    0    c 

0      48 

Penn's  Manor, 

Alexander  M'Gowan, 

3 

0 

1    0   c 

2      35 

Sideling  Hill, 

Thomas  Runyan,* 

6 

2 

5    0    C 

)    1      49 

West  Creek, 

5 
IBS 

0 

2    0    C 

35    5  22 

)    0      34 

88  2732 

42  ( 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licenced  preachers  in 
italics.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked 
thus  t  received  no  intelligence.    A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD   IN  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  6tH,  7tH,  AND  8tH, 

1795. 


October  6th. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Rev.  Peter  "Wilson  preached 
the  mtroductory  sermon,  from  1  John  iv.  1,  "  Beloved,  believe  not 
every  spirit,  but  try  the  spirits  whether  they  be  of  God." 

2.  After  worship,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  William  Rogers. 

3.  Proceeded  to'  business.  Brother  Thomas  Ustick  was  chosen 
moderator,  and  Brother  Peter  Wilson,  clerk. 

4.  Letters  were  read  from  twenty-six  churches. 

5.  The  business  of  the  day  was  closed  with  prayer  by  the 
moderator. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock. 
October  7th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

6.  Business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother  Runyan. 

7.  Received  a  letter  and  minutes  from  the  Baltimore  Association, 
newly  formed,  desiring  to  hold  a  correspondence  with  us.  Their  letter 
was  presented  by  our  Brother  Charles  P.  Polk,  and  they  were  re- 
ceived into  fellowship. 

8.  Rev.  John  Pitman,  from  Rhode  Island,  being  present,  was 
invited  to  take  a  seat. 

9.  Received  letters  and  minutes  from  the  Warwick  Association 
for  1793,  1794,  and  1795,  by  the  messenger.  Rev.  Brother  Thomas 
Montanye ;  from  that  of  Charleston,  1794,  and  from  that  of  New 
York,  by  Rev.  Brother  Reune  Runyan. 

10.  Appointed  the  following  brethren  to  write  to  the  correspond- 
ing Associations  : — Thomas  Memminger,  to  write  to  the  Warwick 
Association;  Reune  Runyan,  to  that  of  Charleston;  Thomas Fleeson, 
to  that  of  Baltimore ;  Joshua  Jones,  to  that  of  New  York ;  Burgiss 
Allison,  to  that  of  Warren ;  William  Folwell,  to  that  of  Stonington  ; 
and  William  White,  to  that  of  Shaftsbury. 

11.  Read  the  circular  letter  prepared  by  Samuel  Jones,  B.  D. 
Our  Brethren  William  Rogers,  John  Blackwell,  and  James  M'Laugh- 
lin,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  revise  the  same. 

12.  Distributed  the  minutes  received  from  different  Associations 
amongst  the  churches. 

13.  The  committee  appointed  last  year  to  revise  the  Catechism, 

39  (305) 


306  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

and  make  such  alterations  as  they  judged  necessary,  brought  their 
amendments  forward.  Voted  to  insert  those  alterations  in  our 
minutes  for  the  inspection  of  the  churches,  and  they  are  desired  to 
manifest  their  approbation,  or  disapprobation,  at  our  next  Association. 

14.-  Query  from  Cohansie  church :  Is  it  not  proper,  from  the  con- 
sideration of  abounding  error,  infidelity,  lukewarmness,  and  decay 
of  vital  piety  in  the  world,  and  in  professors  of  religion,  that  a  day 
of  humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer,  should  be  observed  in  our 
churches  ? 

Answer :  We  agree  to  appoint  and  recommend  Wednesday,  the 
28th  day  of  October,  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  throughout  our 
churches,  for  the  above  mentioned  reasons,  and  on  account  of  the 
late  calamitous  visitations. 

15.  Also,  agreeably  to  a  query  from  Philadelphia  church,  and  in 
conformity  to  the  general  concert  for  prayer,  in  which  many 
churches  have  engaged, — 

We  appoint  and  recommend  the  first  Tuesday  in  January,  April, 
July,  and  October,  beginning  at  two  o'clock,  p.  M.,  particulary  to 
implore  a  blessing  on  the  Word,  and  the  general  spread  of  the 
Gospel. 

16.  Second  query  from  the  Philadelphia  church :  Whether  it  might 
not,  at  this  time,  considering  the  frequency  of  emigration,  be  ad- 
visable for  this  Association  to  insert  in  their  minutes,  a  request  to 
the  transatlantic  churches,  that  they  would  be  particular  in  their 
letters  of  recommendation  and  dismission  of  members,  to  specify 
whether  they  intend  merely  to  recommend,  or  to  dismiss ;  together 
with  the  principles  and  practice  of  the  church  so  dismissing  ? 

Answered  in  the  aflSrmative. 

17.  Query  from  New  Mills :  Whether  a  circular  letter  published 
by  an  Association  meeting  at  Bromsgrove,  in  England,  on  the  educa- 
tion of  children,  shall  be  republished  ? 

Appointed  Brethren  Isaac  Skillman,  Henry  Smalley,  and  Samuel 
Jones,  to  examine  the  same,  and  report  thereon. 

18.  Brother  Jenkin  Davids  concluded  by  prayer. 
Adjourned  until  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

19.  Brother  John  Pitman  opened  the  service  by  prayer. 

20.  In  answer  to  queries  from  Cape  May,  and  a  request  from 
West  Creek  churches,  we  recommend  to  said  churches  mutually  to 
call  a  council. 

21.  Committed  our  system  of  discipline  to  Dr.  Samuel  Jones, 
for  revision  and  amendment.  To  be  brought  forward  at  the  next 
Association. 

22.  Brother  James  M'Laughlin  closed  by  prayer. 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  Thomas  Montanye,  from  Colos- 
sians  iii.  4,  "  When  Christ,  who  is  our  life,  shall  appear,  then  shall 
ye  also  appear  with  him  in  glory." 

October  8th. — Met  according  to  adjournment. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  307 

23.  Brother  Peter  "Wilson  opened  the  Association  by  prayer. 

24.  The  letters  prepared  for  the  Warwick,  Baltimore,  and  Charles- 
ton Associations  were  approved. 

25.  The  committee  appointed  to  examine  a  piece  on  the  education 
of  children,  recommend  its  publication ;  together  with  the  Baltimore 
circular  letter,  written  by  the  Rev.  John  Davis. 

26.  On  application  for  assistance  to  build  a  meeting-house  in  Sa- 
vannah, Georgia,  large  enough  to  admit  some  hundreds  of  blacks  in 
the  galleries,  we  recommend  to  the  churches  to  make  subscriptions 
or  collections  for  the  above  purpose,  and  to  forward  the  amount  to 
Mr.  Ustick  by  the  20tli  of  November  next;  which  Mr.  Ustick  is 
requested  to  convey  by  the  first  opportunity ;  together  with  a  letter 
of  condolence  to  the  above-mentioned  blacks,  and  our  ardent  wishes 
that  Providence  may  interfere  in  their  favor,  at  least  so  far,  that  their 
masters  may  be  moved  to  allow  them  the  free  enjoyment  of  public 
and  private  worship. 

27.  Appointed  our  Brethren  Blackwell,  Wilson,  Bennet,  and 
M'Gowan,  messengers  to  the  New  York  Association ;  M'Laughlin, 
Memminger,  and  Dazey,  to  Warwick;  Allison,  to  Warren;  Peter 
Groom,  to  Shaftsbury ;  David  Bees,  to  Charleston ;  and  Dazey, 
Davids,  ^Vhite,  Carlisle,  and  Ustick,  to  Baltimore. 

28.  Besolved,  That  our  Brethren  Rogers  and  Ustick,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  revise  Edward's  materials  towards  a  history  of  the  Bap- 
tists in  the  state  of  Delaware. 

29.  Agreed  that  the  churches  be  advised  to  make  collections  for 
the  missionaries  to  the  East  Indies,  and  forward  the  same  to  Dr. 
Rogers. 

30.  Appointed  Brother  John  Blackwell  to  write  the  circular  letter 
for  next  year.  Subject — Christian  Liberty,  and  Liberty  of  Con- 
science. Chap.  XXI. 

31.  Brother  Thomas  Ustick  to  preach  the  introductory  sermon 
next  year ;  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  Isaac  Skillman. 

32.  The  Association  to  meet  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  on  the 
first  Tuesday  in  October  next,  by  divine  permission. 

33.  Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of 
the  minutes,  and  forward  the  same  to  the  churches.  Also,  the  pam- 
phlet on  the  education  of  children. 

34.  The  business  of  the  Association  was  closed  with  an  address 
and  prayer  by  the  moderator. 

Sermon  in  the  evening  by  our  Brother  Jenkin  Davids,  from  Eph. 
ii.  8,  9,  "  Eor  by  grace  are  ye  saved." 

PROPOSED  AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  CATECHISM. 

Question.  V.  May  all  men  make  use  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  ? 

Answer.  All  men  are  not  only  permitted,  but  required  to  read, 
hear,  and  seek  an  understanding  of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

Q.  YI.  What  things  are  chiefly  contained  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Scriptures  chiefly  contain  what  man  ought  to  believe 
concerning  God ;  they  also  teach  what  duty  God  requii'eth  of  man 


308  MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

in  his  Law;  and  in  his  Gospel  how  men  are  reconciled  unto  God, 
through  a  Mediator. 

Q.  X.  What  are  the  decrees  of  God  ? 

M.  The  decrees  of  God  are  his  eternal  purposes  respecting  all 
events ;  whereby  for  his  own  glory,  he  worketh  all  things  according 
to  the  council  of  his  own  will,  Eph.  i,  11. 

Q.  XII.  What  is  the  work  of  creation  ? 

Ji.  The  work  of  creation  is  God's  making  all  things,  by  the  word 
of  his  power,  in  the  space  of  six  days,  and  all  very  good. 

Q.  XV. — Ji.  Man  being  created  a  subject  of  moral  government, 
God  was  pleased  to  give  him  a  positive  command  for  the  trial  of  his 
obedience,  forbidding  him  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good 
and  evil  upon  the  pain  of  death. 

Q.  XIX. — Ji.  Adam  being  made  a  public  head,  all  mankind,  de- 
scending from  him  by  ordinary  generation,  sinned  in  him,  and  fell 
with  him  in  his  first  transgression. 

Q.  XXY. — Jl.  Add,  "  and  the  positive  command  respecting  the 
forbidden  fruit." 

Q.  XXX. — ^.  Christ's  humiliation  consisted  in  his  being  born, 
and  that  in  a  low  condition,  made  under  the  law,  and  in  his  enduring 
the  penalty  of  the  law  as  the  sinner's  substitute  and  surety;  in 
the  miseries  of  his  life,  and  in  the  death  of  the  cross,  in  being  buried, 
and  continuing  under  the  power  of  death  for  a  time. 

Q.  XXXII.  and  XXXIII.  And  in  the  answer,  instead  of  pur- 
chased, read  obtained. 

Q.  XXXIV.— ^.  For  freely  offered,  read,  "  freely  held  forth  in 
the  Gospel." 

Q.  LVII. — Ji.  Last  line,  for  instead  of  to,  read,  "for  his  own 
worship." 

Q.  LXIV. — Which  day  of  the  seven  hath  God  appointed  to  be 
the  weekly  Sabbath? 

Ji.  Before  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  God  appointed  the  seventh 
day  of  the  week  to  be  the  weekly  Sabbath ;  but  now  the  first  day  of 
the  week  is  observed,  both  for  rest  and  worship,  in  conformity  to  the 
example  of  Christ,  and  the  practice  of  his  holy  apostles. 

Q.  XC.  How  may  we  escape  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God  due  to 
us  for  sin  ? 

Ji.  We  ought  diligently  to  use  the  outward  means,  whereby  Christ 
communicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  redemption,  that  we  may  have 
faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  repentance  unto  life;  without  which 
it  is  impossible  to  escape  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God  due  to  us  for 
sin. 

Q.  XCI.— A  For  offered  to  us,  read,  "held  forth." 

Q.  XCIII.  What  are  the  outward  means  whereby  Christ  commu- 
nicateth to  us  the  benefits  of  redemption  ? 

Ji.  The  outward  and  ordinary  means  whereby  Christ  communi- 
cateth to  us  the  benefits  of  redemption,  are  the  reading,  but  especially 
the  preaching  of  the  word,  which  the  Spirit  of  God  niaketh  an 
effectual  means  of  convincing  and  converting  the  sinner,  and  the 


•    MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  309 

ordinances  as  an  additional  means  of  building  up  believers  in  holiness 
and  comfort,  through  faith  unto  salvation. 

Q.  XCVI.  What  is  the  use  of  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper  ? 

A.  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper  are  ordinances  of  Jesus  Christ, 
and  are  of  use  to  set  forth  our  faith  in  Christ,  and  to  increase  faith 
and  every  grace  in  us,  through  the  blessing  of  Christ  and  the 
operation  of  the  Spirit. 

CIRCULAR   LETTER. 

BY  REV.  SAMUEL  JONES,  D.  D. 

The  Philadelphia  Baptist  Association,  convened  at  Philadelphia, 
the  6th,  Tth,  and  8th  of  October,  1795. 

To  the  churches  they  represent,  send  Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  Brethren, — Through  the  tender  mercy  of  our  God,  we  have 
had  a  comfortable  meeting ;  for  which  we  hope  you  will  join  us  in 
thanksgiving. 

Referring  you  to  our  minutes  for  information  respecting  our  pro- 
ceedings at  this  time,  we  pass  on  to  the  subject,  on  which,  according  to 
our  course,  we  are  now  to  address  you.  As  we  always,  in  our  an- 
nual epistles,  with  fervent  affection,  aim  at  your  instruction  and  edi- 
fication, we  hope  our  labor  of  love  will  ever  be  received  and  attended 
to  with  Christian  benevolence,  and  that  the  effect  will  be,  the  building 
us  up  in  our  most  holy  faith. 

The  subject  of  our  last  address,  was  the  Law — the  next  in  order, 
in  our  most  excellent  Confession  of  faith,  Is  the  Gospel. 

Between  the  Law  and  Gospel,  there  is  a  near  connection;  but,  at 
the  same  time,  a  very  material  difference.  The  blending  of  these  to- 
gether, or  treating  of  them  in  an  injudicious  and  indistinct  manner, 
has  ever  been  a  material  source  of  error  in  the  Christian  church.  It 
is,  therefore,  the  more  necessary  to  keep  each  of  them  in  its  proper 
place ;  and  the  rather  on  account,  that  a  legal  spirit  is  so  natural  to 
man,  and  a  legal  strain  so  difficult  to  be  guarded  against.  Man 
is  so  naturally  wedded  to  the  Law,  that  he  cannot  easily  be  disengaged 
from  it. 

Would  you  know  the  difference  between  the  Law  and  the  Gospel  ? 
Only  observe — the  Law  denounces  wrath ;  the  Gospel  publishes 
peace ;  the  Law  convinces  of  guilt ;  the  Gospel  brings  an  acquittance ; 
the  Law  pronounces  sentence ;  the  Gospel  holds  out  a  pardon ;  the 
Law  requires  satisfaction  to  the  last  mite ;  the  Gospel  discovers,  that 
satisfaction  has  been  made  in  full;  the  Law  knows  nothing  of  mercy  ; 
the  Gospel  knows  nothing  else:  in  the  Law,  righteousness,  justice, 
and  truth,  shine  gloriously;  in  the  Gospel,  love,  grace,  mercy,  pity, 
condescension,  and  compassion  do  also  shine,  and  Avith  much  more 
resplendent  glory :  commands,  prohibitions,  conditions,  threatenings, 
penalties,  &c.,  belong  to  the  law;  but,  in  the  Gospel,  these  have  no 
place.  In  the  Gospel  we  find  free  grace,  free  mercy,  free  pardon ; 
faith  and  repentance  are  freely  given,  and,  with  them,  a  new  heart, 
a  new  nature,  new  life, — all  is  new,  all  is  free.  The  Gospel,  as  the 
word  signifies,  is  good  message,  good  news,  glad  tidings.     The  Ian- 


310  MINUTES   OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

guage  of  the  angels  at  the  birth  of  Christ,  was,  "  Behold,  we  bring 
you  glad  tidings  of  great  joy,"  Luke  ii.  10.  The  angelic  prophet 
Isaiah,  in  that  memorable  passage,  applied  by  our  blessed  Lord  to 
himself  and  the  gospel  day,  Luke  iv.  18,  19,  breaks  out  in  the  fol- 
lowing gospel  strain :  "  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  God  is  upon  me,  be- 
cause the  Lord  has  anointed  me  to  preach  good  tidings  imto  the 
meek;  he  has  sent  me  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim 
liberty  to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  doors  to  them 
that  are  bound,  to  proclaim  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord,  to  com- 
fort all  that  mourn;  to  appoint  unto  them  that  mourn  in  Zion, 
to  give  unto  them  beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  the 
garment  of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness,"  Isa.  Ix.  1-3. 

The  Gospel  is  sometimes  called  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God, 
Acts  XX.  24,  because  it  publishes  the  rich  grace  and  mercy  of  God 
in  Christ  Jesus.  Sometimes  it  is  called  the  Gospel  of  salvation. 
Eph.  i.  13;  Acts  xiii.  26,  because  it  brings  to  light  the  way  of  life 
and  salvation  provided  of  God  for  lost,  perishing  sinners.  Sometimes 
the  Gospel  of  peace,  because  it  proclaims  that  glorious  peace  made 
by  the  peace-making  blood  of  Christ ;  produces  peace  and  tranquil- 
lity in  distressed  minds,  makes  men  to  be  of  a  peaceable  disposition, 
directs  men  to,  and  leads  in  the  way  of  peace,  and  makes  meet  for 
eternal  peace. 

The  Gospel  brings  glad  tidings  of  good  things  ;  good  things  done 
for  us ;  in  that  atonement  is  made  for  us,  our  debt  paid,  a  righteous- 
ness wrought  out,  pardon  and  acceptance  procured:  good  things 
wrought  in  us ;  such  as  regeneration,  meetness  for  heaven,  faith, 
hope,  and  every  other  grace;  all  the  good  things  of  providence  and 
grace  that  are  necessary  for  our  present  use  during  our  passage 
through  life ;  and  finally,  the  good  things  of  heaven  itself,  even  all 
the  glory  and  happiness  of  the  beatific  state.  The  Gospel,  in  fine, 
contains  a  discovery  of  all  good  things  for  time  and  eternity,  in  de- 
liverance from  sin  and  every  evil,  and  the  full  enjoyment  of  every 
bliss  and  happiness  beyond  what  the  tongue  of  men  or  angels  can 
express,  or  the  powers  of  the  human  mind  conceive. 

Of  the  Gospel  we  farther  observe,  that  it  is  purely  a  matter  of  re- 
velation, and  is  not  discoverable  by  the  light  of  nature.  This  reve- 
lation was  made  by  slow  degrees.  On  this  head  a  late  writer*  in 
our  connection  expresses  himself  thus :  "  The  first  dawning  of  the 
Gospel,  and  at  the  same  time  the  first  glimmering  of  hope,  appeared 
to  Adam  in  the  promise  that  was  made  respecting  the  seed  of  the 
woman,  Gen.  iii.  15.  Here  the  eternal  counsels  of  the  grace  of  God 
began  to  unfold  themselves.  In  the  promise  made  to  Abraham, 
which  was  afterwards  renewed  to  Isaac  and  Jacob,  the  same  gospel 
grace  breaks  forth  with  clearer  light.  What  had  before  been  spoken 
in  more  general  terms  of  the  seed  of  the  woman,  is  now  said  in  a 
more  particular  manner  of  the  seed  of  Abraham,  Gen.  xxii.  18.  To 
Jacob  the  very  time  of  accomplishing  the  promise  was  pointed  out, 

*  Dr.  Jones's  Sermon  on  the  Covenant. 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  311 

Gen.  xlix.  10.  Moses  renders  the  promise  still  more  manifest,  while 
he  points  out  a  character  and  likeness,  Deut.  xvii.  15.  In  the  pro- 
phets, who  were  much  farther  advanced  in  the  dispensation  of  the 
promises,  approaching  to  the  fullness  of  time,  hastening  to  the  com- 
ing of  the  Messiah,  you  have  his  virgin  mother,  Isa.  vii.  5 ;  place  of 
birth,  Micah  v.  2,  and  the  other  circumstances  particularly  pointed 
out.  Only  observe  the  order  and  progress  of  the  divine  promises, 
gathering  light  and  strength  as  they  advance.  When  the  first  inti- 
mation of  a  Saviour  was  given,  he  w^as  to  be  sought  for  among  all 
the  human  race ;  afterwards  we  are  directed  to  the  particular  seed 
of  Abraham ;  even  Isaac  and  Jacob  :  of  Jacob's  numerous  sons  the 
tribe  of  Judah  is  taken ;  of.  the  tribe  of  Judah  the  family  of  Jesse ; 
and  of  Jesse's  sons  the  house  of  David.  Thus,  reducing,  as  it 
•were,  to  a  point,  what  had  at  first  been  delivered  but  in  very  general 
terms. 

"  These  are  some  of  the  leading  and  principal  discoveries  that  were 
made  to  the  world,  of  our  blessed  Saviour  before  his  incarnation. 
Thus  did  the  promises  and  prophesies  become  brighter  and  brighter, 
until  at  last  they  shone  more  clear  in  their  full  accomplishment, 
when  the  sun  of  righteousness  rose,  dispelling  darkness,  and  spread- 
ing the  light  of  the  gospel-day." 

This  revelation  of  the  Gospel  has  been  made  known  to  such  na- 
tions, and  applications  of  it  made  to  such  individuals  of  those  nations, 
as  it  seemed  good  to  the  sovereign  will  and  good  pleasure  of  God. 
"  It  is  not  of  him  that  willeth,"  says  the  apostle,  "  nor  of  him  that 
runneth,  but  of  God  that  showeth  mercy,"  Rom.  ix.  16. 

The  applications  of  the  Gospel  under  the  influence  of  the  divine 
Spirit,  in  the  work  of  conviction  and  conversion,  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary, in  order  to  our  receiving  saving  benefit  from  it.  In  this  pre- 
cious work  of  grace  in  our  hearts,  the  Law  and  Gospel,  considered 
as  means,  go  hand  in  hand,  and  are  often  found  in  the  same  verse.  By 
the  one  is  the  knowledge  of  sin,  by  the  other  the  discovery  of  de- 
liverance.    The  one  worketh  despair,  the  other  faith  and  hope. 

Thus,  beloved  brethren,  you  see,  that  the  glorious  Gospel,  in  every 
point  of  view,  is  the  work  of  the  rich  and  sovereign  grace  of  God. 
It  was  of  the  sovereign  grace  and  mercy  of  God,  that  the  glorious 
plan  of  redemption  was  concerted,  was  published,  and  was  after- 
wards, as  it  still  is,  applied  to  the  elect,  with  all  its  saving  benefits. 
0  the  glorious  and  blessed  Gospel !  0  the  sovereign  grace  and 
mercy  of  God  in  and  through  a  gracious  Redeemer ! 

From  what  we  have  said,  various  useful  observations,  by  way  of 
inference,  might  be  made ;  but  we  shall  only  mention  two :  First, 
that  according  to  the  Gospel,  the  atonement  of  Christ  did  not  ex- 
tend to  every  individual  of  the  human  race ;  and,  secondly,  that  the 
Gospel  contains  no  conditional  off'ers  of  salvation. 

We  mention  these,  because  some  in  our  days  seem  to  favor  such 
notions,  and  some  others,  that  tend  to  mar  and  go  a  great  way  to- 
wards sullying  the  glory  of  the  Gospel. 

In  regard  to  the  first,  if  atonement  was  made  for  all,  it  was  God's 


312  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

intention  tliat  it  should ;  that  intention  must  have  its  full  effect ;  the 
effect  must  be  that  all  must  and  will  be  saved. 

If  Christ  answered  the  demands  of  law  and  justice  for  all,  and 
paid  the  price  in  full,  then  there  must  be  guiltless  persons  in  hell  for 
want  of  being  made  meet  for  heaven.  Chi'ist  has  done  his  part,  but 
the  Spirit  declines  doing  his.  Why  God  should  appoint  satisfaction 
to  be  made  for  all,  and  afterwards  not  renew  and  sanctify  all,  and 
bring  them  to  heaven,  must  be  very  strange,  and  utterly  inconsistent 
with  the  glory  and  perfections  of  Him,  who  does  nothing  in  vain,  who 
never  does  a  part,  without  doing  the  whole,  who  always  finishes  what 
he  begins. 

It  is  manifest  from  the  holy  Scriptures,  that  Christ  made  atone- 
ment for  his  people,  Isa.  liii.  8 ;  Luke  i.  68 ;  his  sheep,  John  x.  15, 
26,  29  ;  xvii.  9 ;  those  that  were  given  him,  Heb.  ii.  13 ;  who  were 
redeemed  from  among  others,  Rev.  v.  9. 

As  to  the  second,  to  make  salvation  conditional,  would  rob  God  of 
his  sovereignty,  and  make  his  glory  to  depend  on  man ;  while  at  the 
same  time  it  would  give  room  for  boasting.  It  would  also  convert 
the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God  into  a  new  law.  Is  the  law  of 
works  to  be  preferred  to  the  covenant  of  grace?  If  it  be  of  grace, 
says  the  apostle,  then  is  it  no  more  of  works,  otherwise  grace  is  no 
more  grace.  What !  make  our  happiness  depend  on  man  ?  If  we 
will  do  part,  God  will  do  the  rest.  Alas  !  what  can  man  do  in  the 
business  of  his  salvation  first  or  last,  to  merit  or  promote  it  ?  Is  he 
altogether  dependent  on  God  ?  Yea,  verily,  that  at  every  step,  in  the 
beginning  and  progress  of  the  glorious  work,  he  may  cry,  grace, 
grace ;  and  whosoever  glorieth,  let  him  glory  in  the  Lord. 

But  these  men  make  a  distinction  between  natural  and  moral 
ability.  What  is  the  use  of  this  distinction,  but  to  evade,  deceive, 
and  confuse?  What  can  natural  ability  avail  towards  producing  a 
supernatural  effect  ?  The  effect  can  never  exceed  its  cause,  any  more 
than  a  stream  can  rise  higher  than  its  fountain.  Now  the  exercise 
of  any  and  every  evangelical  grace  is  supernatural,  is  purely  of  God : 
but  what  is  born  of  the  flesh  is  flesh.  And  besides,  if  man's  natm*al 
ability  was  competent  to  repent,  believe,  accept,  obey,  &c.,  what  good 
could  it  do  him,  since  he  is  never  to  exert  it,  unless  God  induces  or 
influences  him  thereto ;  and  without  which  influence,  all  offers  and 
moral  suasion  will  prove  ineffectual.  If  we  speak  of  repentance, 
for  instance,  is  not  Christ  exalted  as  a  Prince  and  a  Saviour  to  give 
repentance  unto  Israel,  and  remission  of  sins  ?  If  we  speak  of  faith ; 
what  faith?  natural  faith?  What  can  this  be  better  than  the  faith 
of  devils,  who  believe  and  tremble  ?  But  if  we  speak  of  superna- 
tural and  evangelical  faith,  the  Scripture  is  express.  By  way  of  dis- 
tinction from  the  other,  it  is  called,  the  faith  of  the  operation  of 
God,  the  faith  of  God's  elect,  like  precious  faith  with  us,  that  faith 
which  purifies  the  heart,  and  worketh  by  love.  And  in  regard  to 
them,  who  received  him,  it  is  said,  to  them  gave  he  power.  Yea, 
verily,  all  the  power,  influence,  and  every  thing  in  the  business  of 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  813 

our  salvation  is  entirely  of  God  alone,  and  not  of  us,  who  are  but 
perfect  weakness. 

The  scheme  of  divine  truth  contained  in  the  Holy  Scripture,  is 
manifestly  this :  That  man  fell  from  that  state  of  rectitude  wherein 
he  was  created,  and  became  guilty,  polluted,  depraved,  helpless,  &c.; 
that  God  in  his  rich  mercy  and  wisdom,  devised  a  way  for  the  reco- 
very and  salvation  of  such  as  to  him  seemed  meet,  which  was  doing 
no  injury  to  others,  that  were  left ;  that  the  way  of  recovery  is 
through  the  atoning  blood  of  Christ,  who  glorified  the  divine  perfec- 
tions in  making  honorable  the  law,  and  bringing  in  an  everlasting 
righteousness  in  behalf  of  and  for  those  that  were  given  him,  who 
in  God's  own  time  and  way  are  renewed  and  sanctified,  made  holy 
here  and  happy  hereafter.  To  this  end  means  are  appointed, 
chiefly  the  word  and  the  ministration  thereof;  wherein  the  state  of 
the  sinner  by  nature,  and  the  way  of  recovery  through  rich  grace  is 
unfolded  ;  and  it  pleases  God  to  enlighten  the  mind ;  move  on  the 
affections,  and  subdue  the  will.  The  sinner  is  awakened  and  con- 
victed ;  he  sees  his  danger ;  is  filled  with  concern  of  mind  ;  enquires 
what  he  must  do  to  be  saved ;  has  repentance  unto  life  given  him ; 
is  led  to  see  the  fulness,  freeness,  suitableness,  and  glory  of  the  way 
of  life  through  a  Redeemer ;  is  enabled  to  lay  hold  by  faith  of  this 
hope ;  is  transformed  by  the  renewing  of  his  mind ;  has  the  con- 
straining love  of  God  shed  abroad  in  his  heart ;  is  humbled  and 
abased  in  himself,  yet  triumphs  in  the  mercy  and  power  of  God ; 
and  thus  being  filled  with  holy  zeal,  he  goes  on  his  way  rejoicing. 
He  is  sensible  the  Lord  of  his  mere  sovereign  unconditional  grace 
and  mercy  began  the  good  work,  is  now  carrying  it  on,  and  will 
complete  it  in  glory,  to  whom,  therefore,  without  reserve,  he  as- 
cribes all  the  praise,  and  will  to  all  eternity. 

It  is  now,  brethren,  time  that  we  draw  towards  a  conclusion.  We 
hope  you  are  in  a  good  measure  established  in  these  truths,  and  that 
they  are  precious  to  you.  May  the  Lord  bless  you,  and  the  Gospel 
of  his  grace  be  among  you,  and  may  the  time  be  hastened  when  it 
shall  be  spread  in  its  purity  with  power  and  great  glory  over  the 
whole  earth. 

Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling,  and  to  pre- 
sent you  faultless,  before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceeding 
joy ;  to  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty, 
dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  ever.     Amen. 

Thomas  Ustick,  Moderator. 
Peter  Wilson,  Clerk. 


Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  formerly  Pastor  of  the  Philadelphia 
church,  resigned  his  place  in  the  church  militant  in  the  year  past. 
'  Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord." 


40 


314 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS  AT  THE    ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


^ 

vS 

J3 

•a 

■a 

h 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

a. 

1 

-i 

i 

C5 

§ 

C3 

«.& 

n 

K 



s 

T              T-v    x,T                      f  Samtel  JOXES,  D.  D., 

Lower  Dublin,             |  j^^^-.^^-^  p^^g^^^ 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

64 

TVT.  ij,  ,                         f  Benjamin  Bennet, 
Middletown,                 |  George  Hunt, 

2 

0 

3 

0 

0 

2 

141 

Henry  Smalley,  A.  M., 

Cohansie, 

Nathan  Shepherd, 

David  Gilman, 

4 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

126 

■"David  Jones,  A.  M.,* 

Great  Valley, 

Jenkin  Davids, 
Daniel  Cornog, 

Jonathan  Philips, 

1 

1 

3 

0 

0 

2 

69 

Cape  May, 

John  Stancliff, 
'  Oliver  Hart,  A.  M.,* 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

3 

47 

Hopewell,                     < 

John  Blackvvell, 

( 

[  Jared  Saxton, 

1 

0 

3 

0 

0 

4 

150 

'  Joshua  Vaughan,* 

Thomas  Davis, 

Brandywine, 

John  Garret,  jr.. 

Thomas  Le  Teller, 

0 

1 

1 

2 

0 

0 

86 

Joshua  Jones, 

Montgomery,               ■< 

Edmund  Pennington, 

Isaac  Johnson, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

21 

Kingwood, 

David  Stout, 
'Peter  Wilson,  A.  M., 

0 

0 

9 

0 

13 

0 

57 

Haiglit's  Town, 

David  Fees, 
Nehemiah  Dye, 

John  Flock, 

12 

0 

6 

0 

2 

2 

288 

"  Thomas  Ustick,  A.  M., 

"William  Rogers,  D.  D., 

Isaac  Carlisle, 

Philadelphia, 

Benjamin  Thaw, 
George  Ingolls, 
John  M'Leod, 
Hugh  Gorley, 

Thomas  Shields, 

3 

14 

6 

0 

2 

1 

124 

'  Thomas  Memminger,  A.  M., 

Arthur  Watts, 

Southampton, 

Elias  Yerkes, 

^  William  Watts, 

25 

1 

2 

1 

0 

2 

82 

Knowlton.t 

Daniel  Vaughan,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

43 

New  Britain, 

William  White, 
Edward  Matthews, 
'  Isaac  Skillman,  A.  M., 

0 

o 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

Salem, 

Gamaliel  Garrison, 

Abraham  Harris, 

Jacob  Harris, 

2 

2 

0 

0 

0 

5 

68 

Dividing  Creek, 

Garner  Hunt, 

1 

0 

1 

0 

2 

5 

74 

MINUTES    OF    THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


315 


CHURCHES. 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


a  I  i:  ^' '  C 


New  Mills, 

Konoloway, 

Coram,! 

Upper  Freehold,! 

Pittsgrove,t 

Manahawkin,t 

Vincent, 

Tuckahoe,! 

London  Tract, 

Hilltown, 

Lower  Smithfield,! 

Jacob's  Town, 

Pittstown.t 
Marcus  Hook, 

Rocksberry, 

Penn's  Manor, 

Sideling  Hill, 
West  Creek, 


(  Benjamin  Hedger, 
\  David  Gaskill, 

j  Joseph  Powell,* 
I  John  Cook, 


Thomas  Fleeson, 

f  James  M'Lafghlin, 
I  Isaac  Morris, 

David  Jayne,* 

(  BuRGiss  Allison,  A.  M., 
\  William  Snowden, 


Eliphaz  Dazey, 


(John  Levering, 
Michael  Conrad, 
Nathan  Levering, 

f  Alexander  M'Gowan, 
(  Caleb  JefFers, 

Thomas  Runyan,* 

Peter  Groom, 


1 
2 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

2 

0 

0 

2 

0 

1 

1 

60 

29  , 

s 

o 
c 
y. 

•6 

% 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

1 

0 

21 

34 

89 

30 
30 
61 
0 
0 
23 
46 
38 

99 

20 

59 
134 

19 


Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers 
in  italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked  thus  f 
received  no  intelligence.      A  dash  denotes  no   settled  minister. 


MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  4tH,  5tH,  AND  6tH, 

1796. 


October  4th. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Brother  Thomas  Ustick 
preached  the  introductory  sermon,  from  Rom.  i.  15, 16,  "  So  as  much 
as  in  me  is,  I  am  ready  to  preach  the  gospel  to  you  that  are"  at 
Rome  also.  For  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ :  for  it 
is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,  to  every  one  that  believeth ;  to 
the  Jew  first,  and  also  to  the  Greek." 

2.  After  sermon  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother  Us- 
tick, when  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother 
Burgiss  Allison,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  were  read  from  twenty-seven  churches. 
Business  closed  with  prayer  by  the  moderator. 
Adjourned  until  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Dr.  Foster,  from  2  Cor.  xii.  10,  "  For 
when  I  am  weak,  then  am  I  strong." 

October  5th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

4.  Business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  moderator. 

5.  A  church  newly  constituted  at  Shemokin,  having  made  appli- 
cation to  be  admitted  as  a  member  of  this  Association,  was  accord- 
ingly received. 

6.  Brother  John  Blackwell,  having  been  appointed  at  the  last 
Association  to  write  the  circular  letter  for  the  present  year,  but  not 
having  sent  it  forward ;  it  is  requested  that  at  the  next  Association 
he  will  give  reasons  for  such  omission. 

7.  Brother  Staughton  is  requested  to  write  a  circular  letter  to 
accompany  the  minutes. 

8.  Received  letters  from  the  following  Associations: — Welsh 
Tract,  with  a  messenger :  Charleston,  with  their  minutes  ;  Warwick, 
with  their  minutes ;  New  York,  with  their  minutes,  by  Dr.  Foster,  as 
messenger ;  and  Stonington,  with  their  minutes. 

9.  A  copy  of  the  charter  for  incorporating  the  Association, 
was  brought  forward  by  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  and  read,  and  he  ap- 
pointed to  proceed  with  all  expedition  in  obtaining  said  charter. 

10.  The  committee  appointed,  in  sect.  28th  of  last  year's  minutes, 
to  revise  and  publish  Mr.  Edward's  history  of  the  Delaware  Baptists, 
report,  that  they  have  omitted  proceeding  in  the  business,  on  account 

^316) 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  317 

of  a  request  from  the  Delaware  Association  that  it  might  be  post- 
poned in  order  to  rectify  some  mistakes. 

11.  A  letter  being  read,  from  a  committee  of  the  New  York  Asso- 
ciation, appointed  to  confer  with  us  respecting  a  new  edition  of  the 
New  Testament,  wherein  the  terms  of  Baptism  are  proposed  to  be 
translated  agreeably  to  their  original  import ;  this  Association  con- 
clude to  defer  the  same  until  next  year  for  further  consideration. 

Concluded  with  prayer,  by  Dr.  William  Rogers. 
Adjourned  until  three  o'clock,  p.  M. 
Three  o'clock,  P.  M. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Business  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother  Peter  Wilson. 

12.  Brother  Joshua  Jones,  from  Lincoln,  in  Old  England,  produ- 
cing proofs  of  his  having  been  pastor  of  a  Baptist  church  there,  of  the 
same  faith  and  order  with  us,  was  invited  to  take  a  seat  among  us. 

13.  The  proposed  amendments  to  the  Catechism  were  brought  un- 
der consideration,  but  for  the  present  set  aside. 

14.  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  to  whom  was  referred,  last  year,  the  re- 
vision and  amendment  of  our  system  of  discipline,  having  given 
satisfactory  reasons  why  he  had  not  yet  brought  forward  the  same, 
is  appointed  to  go  on  in  the  business,  and  bring  forward  such  amend- 
ments at  next  Association. 

15.  In  answer  to  the  query  from  Dividing  Creek,  this  Associa- 
tion think  it  inexpedient  to  admit  Mr.  German  to  administer  the 
ordinances  among  them,  inasmuch  as  those  of  his  society  will 
not  commune  with  us ;  and  also,  as  it  may  be  productive  of  confusion 
and  disorder. 

Brother  Fleeson  to  write  the  letter,  and,  accompanied  by  Brother 
William  White,  to  go  as  messenger  to  the  Delaware  Association; 
Brethren  Rogers  and  Wilson,  as  messengers  to  that  of  New  York ; 
Brother  Wilson  to  write  the  letter;  Brother  Memminger  to  write  to 
that  of  Warwick ;  and  Brethren  White  and  Groom  to  go  as  messen- 
gers ;  Brother  Rogers  to  write  to  that  of  Charleston  ;  Brother  White, 
to  that  of  Stonington ;  and  Brother  Groom,  to  Shaftsbury,  to  which 
he  is  also  appointed  a  messenger. 

17.  A  letter  from  the  Warren  Association,  dated  September, 
1794,  was  received  and  read,  and  Brother  James  Ewing  appointed 
to  write  to  them. 

Brother  Joshua  Jones  concluded  by  prayer. 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Brother  Skillman,  from  Isa.  xlv.  22, 
and  Eph.  ii.  28. 

October  6th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayer  by  Brother  Wilson. 

18.  Brother  Skillman  to  preach  the  introductory  sermon  next 
year ;  and  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  Burgiss  Allison, 

19.  Brother  Memminger  to  write  the  circular  letter. 

20.  Supplies  for  Dividing  Creek. 

21.  The  church  at  Shemokin  request  their  sister  churches  to  as- 
sist them  in  erecting  a  meeting-house.     The  Association,  therefore, 


318  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

recommend  it  to  the  churches  to  make  collections  for  this  purpose, 
and  forward  the  same  to  Brother  Ustick,  in  Philadelphia,  as  soon  as 
possible,  as  the  winter  season  is  coming  on,  and  the  people  are  en- 
tirely destitute  of  a  suitable  place  to  worship  in. 
'  22.  The  circular  letter,  written  bj  Brother  Staughton,  was  brought 
forward,  and  read  with  approbation. 

23.  The  brethren  appointed  to  write  to  our  corresponding  Asso- 
ciations, brought  forward  their  letters,  which  were  read  and  approved. 

24.  Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
minutes,  and  to  forward  them  to  the  respective  churches  as  soon  as 
may  be. 

25.  The  business  of  the  Association  closed  with  prayer  by  the 
moderator.     Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Brother  Staughton. 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  REV.  WILLIAM  STAUGHTON. 

The  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  Baptist  Association,  held  at 
Philadelphia. 

To  the  churches  they  represent,  send  Christian  salutation. 

Christian  Brethren, — According  to  the  good  hand  of  our  God 
upon  us,  we  are  again  met  in  Association.  With  gratitude  to  Him 
wlio  is  head  over  all  things  to  the  church,  we  mention,  that  the  va- 
rious letters  we  have  received  from  the  churches  testify,  that  among 
them  love  and  peace  prevail,  and  that  in  like  manner  harmony  has 
crowned  our  recent  deliberations. 

Accustomed  annually  to  address  you,  and  to  derive  the  theme  of 
our  letter  from  the  succession  of  subjects  in  our  Confession  of  faith, 
we  expected  this  year  to  have  set  before  you  the  principles  and  plea- 
sures of  Christian  liberty  and  liberty  of  conscience.  Though  in 
this  expectation  disappointed,  we  are  still  desirous  of  pressing  on 
your  minds  such  reflections  as  shall  be  friendly  to  your  advance  in 
knowledge  and  virtue. 

Not  more  from  the  present  state  of  religion,  than  from  the  pious 
hints  suggested  in  your  letters,  our  thoughts  are  turned  to  the  pre- 
valence of  infidelity.  With  that  regret  and  anxiety  which  every  good 
man  must  feel  when  the  godly  man  ceaseth,  and  when  the  wicked 
prevail,  we  observe  crowds  of  unreflecting  youths,  pressing  on  to  ruin, 
fascinated  with  systems  which,  though  congenial  with  depravity,  are  at 
an  infinite  remove  from  holiness  and  truth.  Our  eyes,  our  ears,  afi"ect 
our  hearts,  while  we  perceive  the  sophistry  admired  which  is  pointed 
against  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  the  course  of  thought  and  conver- 
sation, which  tends  to  the  advancement  of  guilt  and  confusion, 
applauded  as  fashionable  and  just. 

To  trace  this  evil  to  its  proper  source  we  must  recur  to  the  origi- 
nal depravity  of  man,  but  we  perceive  a  less  distant  cause  in  the 
revolution  of  empire.  Our  God  sitteth  upon  the  circle  of  the  earth, 
and  guides  its  affairs  as  his  infinite  perfections  direct,  yet  its  vicissi- 
tudes are  usually  so  connected  that  one  event  appears  naturally 
to  rise  out  of  another.  Europe  has  for  ages  been  deluged  in  super- 
stition, and  even  where  the  reformation  had  destroyed  its  servile  fet- 


'     MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  319 

ters,  among  the  professors  of  religion  little  of  the  power  of  godliness 
was  visible. 

We  rejoice  in  the  progress  of  civil  liberty,  because  so  intimately 
related  to  the  liberty  with  which  Christ  has  made  us  free ;  but  we 
perceive  that  as  it  moves,  papal  superstition  and  protestant  insensi- 
bility are  brought  to  light.  Whilq  these  are  by  their  advocates 
termed  religion,  the  infidel,  with  an  air  of  plausibility,  exclaims — all' 
religion  is  vain. 

Permit  us.  Christian  brethren,  as  those  who  watch  for  your  souls, 
to  guard  your  minds  against  the  influence  of  this  prevaling  evil.  In 
this  unfriendly  world,  popular  sentiments,  though  evidently  errone- 
ous, sometimes  produce  an  unhappy  eifect  on  the  minds  of  such  as 
are  coming  up  out  of  the  world.  The  unavoidable  habits  of  society 
operating  in  conjunction  with  remaining  depravity,  too  frequently 
give  a  tone  to  the  thoughts  and  actions  of  believers,  which  is  contrary 
to  the  simplicity  that  is  in  Christ.  Brethren,  forgive  the  jealousy  we 
feel,  lest  they  produce  this  effect  among  you. 

As  an  antidote  to  this  evil,  we  affectionately  exhort  you  to  labor 
after  an  enlarged  acquaintance  with  divine  truth.  Let  the  word  of 
Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in  all  wisdom.  You  have  a  reason  of  the 
hope  that  is  in  you,  stand  prepared,  on  every  proper  occasion  to  give 
it  with  meekness  and  fear.  While  you  implore  the  teaching  of  the 
Spirit  of  God,  search  the  Scriptures.  The  religion  of  Jesus  courts 
the  investigation  of  all,  but  it  has  a  special  claim  on  the  attention 
of  the  righteous.  Ye  are  set  as  a  defence  of  the  gospel,  the  sword 
of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God,  is  put  into  your  hands,  be 
ambitious  to  use  it  with  a  happy  dexterity.  Prompt  and  ingenious 
are  the  sons  of  infidelity  in  disseminating  error ;  and  shall  the  sons 
of  God  be  inactive  and  unskilful  in  the  support  of  truth  ? — Never  do 
the  triumphs  of  an  infidel  rise  higher  than  when  a  man  of  God  stands 
foiled  before  him. 

But  while  we  urge  you  to  seek  an  increase  of  the  knowledge  of 
God,  and  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and,  when  duty  invites,  to  ap- 
pear as  the  advocates  of  evangelical  piety,  we  beseech  you  scrupu- 
lously to  banish  a  love  of  vain  disputation.  Aware  of  the  invincible 
arguments  in  favor  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  prone  to  mingle 
our  personal  interests  with  the  subject  we  defend,  we  are  in  danger 
of  disputing  for  the  poor  reward  of  victory. 

Remember,  brethren,  the  religion  we  profess  is  of  infinite  moment ; 
seriousness  ought  to  attend  all  our  labors  to  maintain  its  truth.  If 
you  attempt  to  defend  the  gospel  with  infidel  wit  and  heroism,  a 
wound  will  be  received  in  the  house  of  a  friend ;  but  when  you  ap- 
pear in  its  defence  with  all  the  weight  of  eternal  concerns  on  your 
minds,  the  circumstance,  like  the  splendor  on  the  countenance 
of  Moses,  will  make  a  rebellious  people  tremble.  It  is  acknowledged 
that  the  shafts  of  satire  are  sometimes  projected  with  success  against 
vice  and  error;  but  they  more  frequently  fall  pointless  to  the  ground. 
The  weapon  is  dangerous,  and  in  the  sacred  pages  little  used.  Every 
sentiment  has  its  natural  influence.     The  tendency  of  infidelity  is  to 


320  MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION". 

produce  ridicule  and  folly,  while  wisdom  and  seriousness  are  the  off- 
spring of  religion.  When  we  by  folly  and  ridicule  attempt  to  overturn 
popular  errors,  we  give  the  wicked  an  easy  triumph,  by  indulging  in 
ourselves  the  unhappy  influence,  at  the  time  we  condemn  the  sentiment. 
But  before  a  holy  savor  of  truth,  as  before  the  incense  of  the  altar  in 
Bethel,  the  lifted  arm  of  every  opposing  Jeroboam  will  be  dried  up. 

But,  Brethren,  it  is  not  enough  that  ye  maintain  the  truth  by  ar- 
gument :  the  purity  of  your  walk  and  conversation  will  best  demon- 
strate the  sincerity  and  excellency  of  your  faith.  Errors  have  for 
ages  distracted  the  Christian  church  ;  but  they  have  generally  origi- 
nated in  the  ungodly  lives  of  the  professors  of  religion.  The  ene- 
mies of  the  cross  blend  together  the  gospel  of  Christ  and  the  lives 
of  its  subjects,  and,  when  believers  sin,  ascribe  the  iniquity  to  the 
gospel  itself.  At  a  time  like  the  present,  when  the  adversaries  of 
truth  are  torturing  their  invention  for  new  arguments  against  the 
cause  which  ought  to  be  dearer  to  you  than  your  lives,  how  ought  ye 
to  walk  circumspectly,  not  as  fools  but  as  wise,  that  by  well-doing  ye 
may  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men. 

There  is,  brethren,  an  awfulness  in  piety,  before  the  display  of 
which  the  most  hardened  infidel  is  occasionally  confounded.  While 
your  conversation  is  as  becometh  the  gospel  of  Christ,  assure  your- 
selves, that  though  the  ungodly  outwardly  laugh  at  and  contemn  you, 
they  inwardly  tremble  and  approve. 

For  nearly  a  century  past  shame,  arising  from  derision,  has  been 
but  little  realised  in  the  church :  we  have  long  sat  peaceful  and  blest 
as  under  vines  and  fig  trees.  But  in  the  present  day,  by  appearing 
as  the  friends  of  vital  and  experimental  godliness,  by  determining, 
assisted  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  follow  the  Lamb  of  God,  whithersoever 
he  goeth,  we  must  expect  to  have  our  ideas  pitied  as  mistaken,  and  our 
affections  derided  as  enthusiastic.  But  to  suffer  for  well-doing  is  an 
honor ;  and  while  we  consider  shame  for  the  sake  of  Jesus,  not  as  an 
evil  patiently  to  be  borne,  but  as  a  mark  of  glory  of  which,  like  the 
apostles,  we  are  accounted  worthy,  like  them  we  shall  rejoice  in  him. 

When  you  enter  the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord,  or  retire  into  your 
closets,  and  hold  communion  with  your  own  hearts,  and  with  the  God 
of  your  salvation,  the  hard  speeches  of  the  wicked  will  appear  lighter 
than  vanity ;  and  while  you  reflect,  that  the  natural  man  knoweth 
not  the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  that  base  things  of  the 
world  are  chosen,  to  confound  the  mighty;  for  the  aversion  of  the 
learned  and  opulent  in  our  day  you  will  as  easily  account,  as  for  the 
conduct  of  the  Jews  and  Greeks,  in  the  days  of  the  apostles,  in  pro- 
nouncing the  preaching  of  the  cross  a  stumbling  block  and  foolish- 
ness. As  the  purity  of  the  gospel  is  educible  from  the  aversion  of 
wicked  men,  so  the  impurity  of  infidel  opinions  is  demonstrable  from 
their  passionate  zeal  for  their  diffusion. 

From  the  earliest  ages  of  time  the  world  has  had  its  course.  Lust, 
idolatry,  persecution,  and  superstition,  have  successively  been  as 
mighty  streams  on  which  thousands  have  been  borne  along  to  ruin. 
At  present,  infidelity  prevails;  but  it  is  an  evil,  and  every  evil,  like 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  321 

the  frail  body  of  man,  has  the  principle  of  decay  within  itself.  An 
infidel  exhibits  his  sentiments,  and  considers  them  as  a  lamp  to  the 
nations.  His  actions  testify  it  is  the  lamp  of  the  wicked,  and 
heaven  declares  the  lamp  of  the  wicked  shall  be  put  out. 

While  the  nations  rage,  and  the  earth  is  moved,  ye  who  love  the 
God  of  Israel  and  pray  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion,  like  venerable 
Eli,  when  the  Philistines  were  contending  between  Ebenezer  and 
Aphek,  may  tremble  for  the  Ark  of  the  Lord ;  but  not  like  him  shall 
ye  sink  under  the  distressing  information,  that  the  ark  is  taken — the 
kingdom  of  Jesus  overthrown.  Universal  empire  and  permanent 
prosperity,  are  promised  to  the  great  Redeemer:  of  the  increase  of 
his  dominion  and  peace  there  shall  be  no  end.  The  present  spread 
of  infidelity,  far  from  portending  the  destruction  of  Christianity, 
establishes  its  truths  by  fulfilling  its  predicions.  The  earth  is  waxing 
old  like  a  garment,  and,  like  smoke,  the  heavens  will  shortly  vanish 
away.  All  flesh  is  grass  and  the  grass  withereth,  but  the  word  of  God, 
which,  by  the  gospel,  is  preached  unto  you,  shall  stand  for  ever. 
Banish  Christianity  from  the  world,  and  what  remains  but  guilt  and 
death  ?  But  this  is  a  living  system,  and  must  prevail  till  the  king- 
doms of  this  world  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his 
Christ. 

When  pursuing  the  interests  of  Zion,  we  are  fellow  workers  with 
God.  Do  we  pray  for  the  coming  of  the  Saviour's  kingdom  ? 
Martyrs,  at  the  foot  of  the  altar,  join  our  prayers.  Do  we  groan  ? 
We  groan  with  the  creation,  which  travails  for  the  redemption  of  the 
body  of  the  righteous.  Do  we  expect  the  period  ?  We  expect  with 
Jesus.  At  the  right  hand  of  his  Father  he  sits,  henceforth  expect- 
ing until  his  enemies  be  made  his  footstool. 

The  God  of  heaven  baflles  the  designs  of  Satan,  and  laughs  at 
the  rage  of  the  wicked  against  his  anointed.  When  persecution 
was  stirred  up  at  Jerusalem,  the  disciples  indeed  were  scattered  ; 
but  by  their  dispersion  their  sound  went  out  into  all  lands,  and  their 
words  unto  the  end  of  the  world.  As  persecution  was  formerly 
made  to  promote  the  Gospel  by  separating  the  disciples,  in  the 
present  age,  infidelity  appears  to  answer  the  same  grand  design,  by 
uniting  them  together.  The  distinctions  which  till  lately  destroyed 
the  happiness  of  different  sects  of  christians,  lose  their  importance, 
while  they  prepare  to  encounter  a  common  enemy.  When  the  tribes 
of  Israel  were  at  peace  with  surrounding  nations,  contentions  com- 
monly existed  among  themselves ;  but,  when  a  foreign  foe  drew 
near  to  battle,  the  different  tribeships  were  forgotten,  while  in  one 
great  band,  as  the  people  of  God,  they  marched  to  contest  and  victory. 

Amid  the  important  revolutions  with  which  we  are  daily  familiar, 
let  us  pray  that,  standing  with  our  loins  girt  about,  and  our  lamps 
burning,  we  may  be  prepared  for  every  event,  and  that,  our  work 
on  earth  being  finished,  we  may  enter  into  the  joy  of  our  Lord. 
Signed  in  behalf  of  the  whole, 

Samuel  Jones,  Moderator. 
BuiiGiss  Allison,  Clerk. 
41 


>22 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS   AT  THE   ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


•6 

la 

T3 

s 

o 

K 

i 

u 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

n 

13 

3 

i 
i 

B 

r  Samuel  Jones,  D.  D., 

Lower  Dublin, 

1  Benjamin  Dungan, 
Joseph  Green, 
Joseph  Evans, 

3 

7 

1 

0 

2 

70 

^liddletown, 

Benjamin  Bennet, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

5 

140 

Cohansie, 

(  Henry  Smalley,  A,  M., 
I  David  Eiwell, 
[Jeremiah  Brooks, 

0 

0 

4 

1 

4 

1  117 

Great  Valley, 

David  Jones,  A.  M., 
Jenkin  Davids, 
Jonathan  Philips, 
Isaac  Abram, 
.  Daniel  Cornog, 

0 

0 

2 

0 

4 

63 

Cape  May,t 

John  Stancliff,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

47 

Hopewell, 

[James  Ewing, 
<  Jared  Sexton, 
(David  Stout, 

0 

0 

5 

1 

3 

141 

Brandywine, 

[Joshua  Yaughan, 
John  Powell, 
[  Robert  M'Coy, 

1 

2 

3 

1 

0 

85 

Montgomery, 

Joshua  Jones, 
Charles  Humphreys, 
Isaac  Johnston, 
Silas  Hough, 
Joseph  Hubbs, 
Edward  Pennington, 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

291 

Kingwood, 

Garner  Hunt, 

2 

0 

2 

0 

0 

80 

Haight's  Town, 

Peter  Wilson, 
Nehemiah  Die, 
Peter  Job, 
Thomas  Appleton, 

8 

0 

14 

0 

4 

277 

Philadelphia, 

'  Thomas  Ustick,  A.  M., 
William  Rogers,  D.  D., 
Isaac  Carlisle, 
George  Ingolls, 
John  M'Leod, 
Benjamin  Thaw, 
Joseph  Keen, 
Nathaniel  Davis, 

19 

17 

2 

4 

3 

151 

Southampton, 

''  Thomas  Memminger,  A.  M., 

Arthur  Watts, 
Abel  ^Nlarple, 
^Elias  Y'erkes,  jr.. 

6 

0 

0 

0' 

1 

87 

Knowlton,f 

Daniel  Yaughan,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

43 

New  Britain, 

'  William  White, 
Joseph  Matthews, 
Edward  Matthews, 
Joseph  Dungan, 

10 

0 

0 

0 

0 

34 

MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION, 


323 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

■3 

J 

II 

a 

i 

o 

!  1 
a 

5 

K 

H 

p 

(  Isaac  Skillman,  A.  M., 

Salem, 

^  John  Walker, 

[Joseph  Lloyd, 

5 

2 

3 

0 

2 

70 

Dividing  Creek, 

New  Mills, 

0 

2 

0 

1 

0 

4 

TO 

(  Benjamin  Hedger, 
\  David  Gaskill, 

1 

3 

2 

5 

82 

Konoloway, 

Joseph  Powell,* 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

34 

Coram,t 
Upper  Freehold, 
Pittsgrove,t 
Manahawkin,f 

0 
0 
0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

0 

30 
52 

0 

0 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Vincent, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

19 

Tuckahoe, 

Peter  Groom, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

25 

London  Tract, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 
r  James  M'Laughlin,* 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

37 

Hilltown, 

Philip  Miller, 
Enos  Morris, 

Joshua  Dungan, 

6 

0 

0 

0 

1 

104 

Lower  Smithfield,t 

David  Jayne, 
(  BuRGiss  Allison,  A.  M., 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Jacob's  Town, 

<  William  Staughton, 

[William  Snowden, 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

61 

Pittstown,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

134 

Marcus  Hook, 
Rocksberry, 

Eliphaz  Dazey,* 

1 

0 

1 

0 

0 

19 

John  Levering, 
Michael  Conrad, 

John  Walraven, 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

47 

Penn's  Manor, 

Alexander  M'Gowan, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

26 

Sideling  Hill, 

f  Thomas  Runtan,* 
1  John  Occoman, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

50 

West  Creek, 

J"  Peter  Groom, 
1  David  Lore, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

2 

32 

Shemokin, 

John  Patten, 

34 

8 

0 

0 

1 

50 

113 

40 

42 

10 

49 

2332 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers  in 
italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  churches  marked  thus  f 
received  no  letter.     A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


WaSEBEBWe^S 


It  hath  pleased  God,  in  the  year  past,  to  remove  from  the  church 
militant  to  the  chm-ch  triumphant,  that  burning  and  shining  light, 
the  Rev.  Oliver  Hart,  A.  M.,  of  Hopewell,  New  Jersey. 

Also,  since  the  rise  of  the  Association,  the  Rev.  Eliphaz  Dazey, 
of  Marcus  Hook,  of  respectable  memory. 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

held  at  lower  dublin,  philadelphia  county,  october 
3d,  4th,  and  Sth, 

1797. 


October  3cL — At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  Brother  Peter  Wilson, 
in  consequence  of  the  non-attendance  of  the  brethren  who  were  ap- 
pointed last  year,  was  requested  to  preach  the  introductory  sermon, 
which  he  did,  from  John  vii.  46,  "Never  man  spake  like  this  man." 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother 
Samuel  Jones,  when  Brother  William  Rogers  was  chosen  moderator, 
and  Brother  Peter  Wilson,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  were  read  from  twenty  churches. 

4.  Our  Brethren  Morgan  J.  Rhees,  William  Davis,  Jacob  Fitz 
Randolph,  and  John  Evans,  lately  from  Wales,  being  present,  were 
invited  to  take  a  seat  with  us. 

The  moderator  concluded  with  prayer. 

Adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

October  4th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother  David  Jones. 

5.  A  letter  and  minutes  were  received  from  the  Warwick  Associa- 
tion. Minutes  were  also  received  from  those  of  New  York,  Ston- 
ington,  and  Shaftsbury;  but  no  messengers  from  either  of  these 
Associations. 

6.  Received  a  letter  from  a  church  at  Opeckon  Creek,  Berkeley 
county,  Virginia,  requesting  admission  among  us. 

Appointed  our  Brethren  David  Jones,  Samuel  Jones,  and  Thomas 
Memminger,  a  committee  to  write  to  the  Ketockton  Association,  and 
to  the  church  at  Opeckon  Creek,  on  the  subject. 

7.  A  letter  was  received  from  part  of  the  Brandywine  church, 
respecting  existing  difficulties. 

Agreed,  That  our  Brethren,  Samuel  Jones  and  John  Holmes,  from 
Lower  Dublin;  David  Jones  and  Daniel  Cornog,  from  Great  Valley ; 
and  Thomas  Fleeson  and  Josiah  Phillips,  from  Vincent,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  endeavor  to  accommodate  said  difficulties,  and  report 
thereon  to  the  next  Association. 

The  committee  to  meet  at  the  upper  meeting-house,  on  Wednes- 
day, November  8th,  at  nine  o'clock,  a.  m. 
(324) 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  325 

8.  Read  the  circular  letter.  Our  Brethren  William  Staughton  and 
Morgan  J.  Rhees,  together  with  the  writer  Brother  Thomas  Mem- 
minger,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  revise  the  same. 

9.  Resolved,  That  those  churches  which  omit  sending  a  messenger, 
or  letter,  to  this  Association  for  three  years  successively,  shall  be 
dropped  from  our  minutes,  and  considered  as  excluded. 

10.  Brother  Ustick  having  informed  us  that  minutes  from  se- 
veral corresponding  Associations  remain  in  Philadelphia,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  calamitous  visitation,  is  requested  to  distribute  them 
among  the  churches,  when  he  may  return  to  that  now  afflicted  city. 

Brother  Alexander  M'Gowan  concluded  with  prayer. 
Ajourned  until  one  o'clock,  P.  m. 
One  o'clock,  p.  m. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Brother  Benjamin  Hedger  opened  with  prayer. 

11.  The  Association  recommend  it  to  the  churches  to  observe  the 
first  Tuesday  in  January,  April,  July,  and  October,  at  two  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  to  unite  in  prayer  to  Almighty  God,  that  he  would  be  pleased 
to  pour  out  his  Spirit  on  the  churches.  It  is  also  recommended  to  ob- 
serve the  third  Thursday  in  the  present  month,  as  a  day  of  humilia- 
tion and  prayer,  on  account  of  the  manifold  sins  and  iniquities  too 
prevalent  among  ourselves,  and  the  present  calamitous  visitation  on 
the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

12.  Brother  Benjamin  Bennet  is  appointed  to  write  to  the  Warwick 
Association. 

13.  The  moderator  and  Brother  Ustick  are  requested  to  answer 
the  letters  from  the  corresponding  Associations,  which  may  have  been 
left  in  Philadelphia,  and  designed  for  this  Association. 

14.  Brother  Samuel  Jones,  to  whom  was  referred  the  revision  and 
amendment  of  our  system  of  discipline,  brought  forward  and  read 
the  same. 

Agreed,  That  a  member  be  appointed  by  each  church  belonging 
to  this  Association,  to  meet  on  the  second  Tuesday  in  December 
next,  at  two  o'clock,  p.  m.,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  to  take  into 
consideration,  and  make  such  alterations  as  unto  them  may  appear 
proper.  And  in  case  any  malignant,  or  contagious  disorder  should 
render  their  meeting  in  Philadelphia  unadvisable,  the  said  committee 
are  to  convene  in  Southampton,  Bucks  county. 

Concluded  with  prayer  by  Jacob  Fitz  Randolph. 

Adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  at  four  o'clock,  p.  M.,  by  Brother  William  Staughton,  from 
Acts  xvii.  22,  23. 

October  5th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayer  by  Brother  Thomas  Fleeson. 

16.  Brother  Samuel  Jones,  who  was  appointed  last  year  to  pro- 
ceed with  all  expedition  in  obtaining  a  charter  for  the  incorporation 
of  this  Association,  having  succeeded  in  the  business,  brought  forward 
the  same,  which  was  read. 

The  trustees  of  the  said  incorporation  met  this  morning,  agree- 
ably to  the  charter,  and  chose  the  following  officers :  Samuel  Jones, 


326  MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

of  Lower  Dublin,  president,  George  Ingels,  of  Philadelphia,  treasurer, 
and  "VVilliam  Rogers,  of  Philadelphia,  Secretary. 

17.  The  circular  letter  being  revised  by  the  committee,  was  pro- 
duced and  unanimously  adopted. 

18.  Brother  David  Jones  is  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter 
for  the  next  year. 

19.  Whereas,  the  last  will  and  testament  of  James  Honeywell, 
of  Sussex  county,  New  Jersey,  appointed  as  trustees  of  said  will, 
Benjamin  Miller  and  Isaac  Stelle,  of  New  Jersey,  together  with 
Samuel  Jones,  of  Lower  Dublin,  Pennsylvania,  and  also  empowered 
the  Baptist  Association  of  Philadelphia,  to  fill  up  all  vacancies  occa- 
sioned by  death  or  otherwise ;  and,  whereas,  Benjamin  Miller  and 
Isaac  Stelle  are  deceased,  this  Association  taking  the  matter  into 
consideration,  do  appoint  Gabriel  Ogden,  and  Daniel  Pridmore,  of 
Sussex  county,  New  Jersey,  to  supply  those  vacancies. 

20.  Brother  Burgiss  Allison  is  appointed  to  preach  the  introduc- 
tory sermon  next  Association;  and,  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  Tho- 
mas Memminger. 

21.  Agreed,  That  the  next  Association  be  held  in  Philadelphia, 
the  first  Tuesday  in  October  next,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  In  case 
that  any  malignant  disorder  should  then  exist  in  the  city,  the  Asso- 
ciation are  to  meet  at  New  Mills,  New  Jersey. 

22.  Brother  Peter  Wilson  is  appointed  a  messenger  to  the  New 
York  Association,  and  Brother  Peter  Groom,  to  that  of  Shaftsbury. 
The  moderator  is  requested  to  give  each  of  them  a  certificate  of 
their  appointment. 

23.  Brother  Thomas  Ustick  is  desired  to  superintend  the  printing 
of  the  minutes  of  this  Association,  and  to  send  them  to  the  several 
churches  in  connection  with  us,  and  to  the  corresponding  Associa- 
tions. 

24.  The  moderator  concluded  the  business  of  this  Association  by 
solemn  exhortation  and  prayer. 

Sermon  at  three  o'clock,  p.  M.,  by  Brother  William  White,  from 
John's  Gospel  iii.  16. 

[Note. — The  reason  why  Brother  Ustick  has  not  made  returns  to  the  Associa- 
tion of  the  collections  for  distant  churches,  ordered  into  his  hands  is,  that  he 
had  not  with  him  the  necessary  papers  and  receipts,  having  no  preconception, 
when  he  left  the  city,  that  the  Association  would  be  held  elsewhere.] 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  REV.  THOMAS    MEMMINGER. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  churches  belonging  to  the  Phi- 
ladelphia Baptist  Association,  met  in  Association  at  Lower  Dublin, 
in  the  county  of  Philadelphia. 

To  the  churches  they  represent,  send  christian  salutation  : 
Dearly  beloved, — In  the  course  of  his  providence,  it  hath  seemed 
good  unto  the  Lord  again  to  visit  the  city  of  Philadelphia  with  the 
rod  of  his  chastisement,  in  sending  among  the  inhabitants  a  malig- 
nant fever;    in  consequence  of    which,  it  has  been  thought  right 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  827 

that  this  Association  should  be  held  in  some  place  free  from  the 
disease  ;  from  whence  we  now  address  you  by  this  our  letter. 

We  rejoice  in  the  Lord  that  we,  as  the  spared  monuments  of  his 
mercy,  have  been  permitted  to  meet  each  other  by  the  respective 
messengers  of  the  churches ;  from  whom  we  have  been  glad  to  hear 
of  the  general  welfare  of  Zion,  and  return  thanks  unto  the  great 
head  of  the  church  for  the  unanimity  and  brotherly  love  which  have 
existed  among  us  while  in  Association. 

The  subjects,  upon  which  you  will  be  addressed  by  us  this  year, 
are  the  important  ones  of  Christian  liberty  and  liberty  of  conscience, 
which  come  next  in  order  in  our  Confession  of  faith. 

That  there  is  a  liberty,  and  a  glorious  liberty  too,  which  is  the 
inheritance  and  portion  of  the  people  of  God,  is  a  fact  clearly 
established,  not  only  by  the  experience  of  all  those  who  are  made 
alive  unto  God  in  Christ,  but  also  by  the  unerring  testimony  of  the 
Spirit  of  truth  as  given  in  the  word  of  God,  declaring  that,  he  that 
is  called  in  the  Lord,  although  he  be  a  servant,  is  the  Lord's  free  man. 

The  existence  of  spiritual  bondage,  as  opposed  to  this  liberty,  is 
also  clearly  ascertained  by  the  same  incontrovertible  testimony:  the 
sons  of  men  having,  because  of  transgression,  even  in  their  first  legal 
representative  and  head,  sold  themselves  for  nought,  being  brought 
into  bondage  unto  Satan,  and  having  made  themselves  the  servants 
of  sin,  for  whosoever  committeth  sin  is  the  servant  of  sin. 

In  this  state  of  bondage  mankind  are  naturally,  and  their  evi- 
dence of  their  being  so,  is  the  desperate  wickedness  of  their  hearts, 
inclined  to  evil  as  the  sparks  are  to  fly  upwards,  leading  them  on  to 
the  perpetration  of  all  manner  of  sin  and  uncleanness  with  delight 
and  greediness :  hence  they  are  brought  under  bondage  to  the  law, 
and  are  under  its  curse.  While  thus  the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on 
them ;  considered  in  this  point  of  view  they  are  the  slaves  of  Satan, 
and  remain,  unless  Jesus  deliver  them,  all  their  lives  long  in  this  ser- 
vitude, by  reason  of  the  fear  of  death,  and  the  awful  prospect  of  a 
future  state  of  never-ending  punishment.  They  are  also  tied  to  the 
world,  and  labor  under  the  guilt  of  sin.  Deplorable  state  in  which 
men  stand !  without  a  deliverance  from  which  the  mind  shudders  at 
the  fearful  prospect  before  them. 

But  blessed  be  our  God  with  him  there  is  redemption,  that  he  may 
be  feared ;  and  it  hath  pleased  him  to  place  all  power  in  the  hands 
of  Jesus,  so  that  if  the  Son  make  us  free,  we  shall  be  free  indeed  not 
only  from  the  guilt  and  condemnation  of  sin,  but  also  from  the  weight 
and  burden  of  the  law,  which  w.e  are  told  gendereth  to  bondage — he 
bringing  them  under  the  gospel,  which  is  the  perfect  law  of  life  and  li- 
berty. For  we  also  were  in  bondage  under  the  same,  until  the  fulness 
of  the  time  was  come,  when  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  under  the 
law,  to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive 
the  adoption  of  sons.  Wherefore,  those  that  are  thus  delivered,  are  no 
more  servants  but  "  sons ;  and  if  sons,  then  heirs  of  God,  through 
Christ."  They  are  delivered  from  the  condemnation  of  the  law;  for 
"  there  is  now  no  condemnation  to  them,  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus, 


328  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit."  They  are  released 
by  him  from  the  dominion  of  sin  and  death ;  "  for  the  law  of  the 
Spirit  of  life,  in  Christ  Jesus,  hath  made  them  free  from  the  law  of 
sin  and  death."  From  the  fear  of  death,  the  king  of  terrors  to  the 
sons  of  men,  they  are  specially  released ;  "forasmuch  as  the  children 
are  partakers  of  flesh  and  blood,  he  also,  himself  likewise  took  part 
of  the  same ;  that  through  death  he  might  destroy  him,  that  had  the 
power  of  death,  that  is,  the  devil ;  and  deliver  them  who  through 
fear  of  death,  were  all  their  lifetime  subject  to  bondage."  From  the 
evil  consequences  of  temporal  affliction  and  distress,  which  in  the 
children  of  disobedience  work  resentment  against  the  good  providence 
of  a  God  of  wisdom,  they  are  peculiarly  freed ;  because,  by  the  Spi- 
rit of  adoption,  beholding  God  as  their  indulgent  father,  they  know 
that  "  all  things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God,  to 
them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpose." 

But,  beloved  brethren,  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God  as 
wrought  out  for  them  by  the  blessed  Jesus,  the  deliverer  of  the  cap- 
tives of  sin,  extends  further  than  what  has  been  stated  unto  you. 
The  veil  between  time  and  eternity  is  rent, — for  them  the  everlasting 
doors  of  heaven  are  thrown  open:  and  they  who  are  led  by  his  free 
Spirit  have  an  access  unto  the  throne  of  the  most  high  God,  and  are 
privileged  to  go  in  and  out  and  find  pasture.  For  "  now  in  Christ 
Jesus,  ye  who  sometimes  were  far  ofi",  are  made  nigh  by  the  blood 
of  Christ.  For  he  is  our  peace ;"  and  through  him  we,  both  Jews 
and  Gentiles,  all  that  are  named  of  the  family  in  heaven  and  on  earth, 
all  that  are  called,  "have  access  by  one  Spirit  unto  the  Father.  Now, 
therefore,  ye  are  no  more  strangers  and  foreigners,  but  fellow  citi- 
zens with  the  saints  and  of  the  household  of  God;"  and  may  exercise 
boldness  to  enter  into  the  hoHest  by  the  blood  of  Jesus  in  full  assur- 
ance of  faith. 

The  service  of  God  is  performed,  by  such  as  are  brought  into  this 
precious  liberty  with  perfect  pleasure ;  the  love  of  that  God,  who  hath 
saved  them  and  redeemed  them,  casteth  out  all  slavish  fear,  and 
with  a  willing  mind  and  filial  aff"ection  they  delight  to  do  his  will. 

Such  is  the  glorious  liberty  which  Christ  was  anointed  to  proclaim 
to  the  captives,  such  the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  were 
bound,  such  the  freedom  of  which  none  can  deprive  you,  and  from 
which  you  cannot  be  excluded. 

But  dearly  beloved  and  longed  for,  our  hope  and  crown  of  re- 
joicing, the  blessed  Captain  of  our  salvation  hath  thus  freed  us,  that 
we  might  manifest  to  the  glory  of  God,  that  the  liberty  in  which  we 
stand  is  not  connected  with  licentiousness,  but  is  continually  the 
attendant  of  the  Spirit  of  God  leading  into  all  truth  and  righteous- 
ness before  him:  now  the  Lord  is  that  Spirit:  and  "where  the  Spi- 
rit of  the  Lord  is  there  is  liberty."  For  so  is  the  will  of  God,  that 
with  well-doing  you  may  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men, 
(\\  ho  charge  this  doctrine  of  our  liberty  as  licentious,  thinking  they 
spy  out  that  which  they  know  nothing  of,)  that  you  as  free  should 
not  use  your  liberty  for  a  cloak  of  maliciousness  but  as  the  servants 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  329 

of  God.  For  brethren,  ye  have  been  called  unto  liberty,  only  use 
not  liberty  for  an  occasion  to  the  flesh. 

It  is  to  be  regulated  by  an  attention  to  the  whole  moral  law  as  the 
rule  of  our  conduct  both  toward  God  and  our  fellow  men:  "For 
whoso  looketh  into  the  perfect  law  of  liberty,  and  continueth  therein, 
he  being  not  a  forgetful  hearer,  but  a  doer  of  the  work,  this  man 
shall  be  blessed  in  his  deed."  Therefore,  so  speak  ye,  and  so  do,  as 
they  that  shall  be  judged  by  the  law  of  liberty.  Remembering  that 
of  whom  a  man  is  overcome,  of  the  same  is  he  brought  into  bond- 
age ;  for  ye  cannot  be  the  freed  men  of  Christ,  and  the  servants  of 
sin,  because  no  man  can  serve  two  masters.  Christ  hath  ransomed 
you  for  this  same  purpose;  "that  you  being  delivered  out  of  the 
hands  of  your  enemies,  might  serve  him  without  fear,  in  holiness  and 
righteousness  before  him  all  the  days  of  your  life;"  "Knowing  this 
that  your  old  man  is  crucified  with  him,  that  the  body  of  sin  might 
be  destroyed,  that  henceforth  we  should  not  serve  sin :  for  he  that 
is  dead  is  freed  from  sin.  For  we  are  become  dead  to  the  law  by 
the  body  of  Christ,  that  we  should  be  married  to  another,  even  to 
him,  who  is  raised  from  the  dead,  that  we  should  bring  forth  fruit 
unto  God." 

The  all-wise  Jehovah  has  given  unto  all  men  an  equal  freedom 
and  liberty  of  conscience,  the  court  of  which  is  sacred,  and  wherein 
none  have  a  right  to  tread  but  the  individual  himself  and  the  blessed 
God  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  those  only  being  the  judges,  who  have 
authority  to  decide  all  matters  concerning  it.  The  angels  of  God 
themselves  have  no  authority  to  interfere  therein,  much  less  any  of 
the  sons  of  men  who  are  creatures  of  the  dust,  short  sighted  beings 
of  a  moment ;  and  therefore  their  commandments,  doctrines,  or 
ordinances,  unless  founded  upon,  consistent  with,  and  springing  out 
of  his  word,  which  alone  is  truth,  are  by  no  means  to  be  considered 
by  you  as  obligatory ;  who,  having  your  consciences  purged  from 
dead  works,  are  called  upon  to  hearken  unto  God,  rather  than  unto 
men,  making  his  word  alone  your  rule  and  guide  in  all  things. 

And  now,  brethren,  we  bid  you  farewell.  May  that  God  who  hath 
by  his  grace  placed  you  in  the  liberty  wherein  you  stand,  enable  you 
to  stand  fast  therein ;  until  you  behold  the  top  stone  of  the  building 
brought  forth  in  Heaven,  shouting — Grace !  Grace  unto  it !    Amen. 

By  order  of  the  Association, 

William  Rogers,  Moderator. 
Peter  Wilson,  Clerk. 


42 


830 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS   AT   THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
THE  STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  FOR  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

■a 

II 

g 

■3 

1 
1 

1 

k^ 

(5 

ft 

s 

'  Samuel  Jones, 

Lower  Dublin, 

Benjamin  Dungan, 
Jesse  Dungan, 

Joseph  Miles, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

1 

70 

Middletown, 

Benjamin  Bennet, 

1 

0 

1 

0 

2 

138 

Cohansie, 

;  Henry  Smalley,* 
Joel  Shepherd, 

2 

1 

5 

1 

6 

108 

Great  Valley, 

■  David  Jones, 
Jenkin  David, 

1 

0 

1 

0 

0 

64 

Cape  May,t 

{ 

John  Stancliff,* 
'  James  Ewing,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

47 

Hopewell,                       < 

Nathan  Stout, 

i 

David  Stout, 

0 

0 

1 

13 

5 

120 

Brandywine,t 

Joshua  Vaughan,* 
^  Joshua  Jones, 
Charles  Humphrey, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

85 

Montgomery, 

Silas  Hough, 
David  Davis, 

Joseph  Hubbs, 

0 

0 

1 

0 

1 

27 

Kingwood, 

Garner  Hunt,* 

2 

0 

2 

1 

2 

77 

Haight's  Town, 

Peter  Wilson, 

'Thomas  Ustick, 
William  Rogers, 
Isaac  Carlisle, 

11 

0 

4 

1 

2 

281 

Philadelphia, 

George  Ingolls, 
Joseph  Keen, 
John  M'Leod, 

Heath  Norbury, 

3 

12 

5 

3 

10 

148 

Thomas  Memminger, 

Southampton, 

Arthur  Watts, 
Thomas  Folwell, 

^Elias  Yerkes,  jr.. 

1 

0 

0 

0 

1 

87 

Knowlton,t 

Daniel  Vaughan,* 
'  William  White, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

43 

New  Britain, 

John  Dungan, 
Joseph  Dungan, 
^Edward  Matthew, 

3 

0 

0 

0 

1 

36 

Salem,  t 

Isaac  Skillman,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

70 

Dividing  Creek,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

70 

New  Mills, 

1  Benjamin  Hedger, 
^  Jacob  Wolston, 

13 

1 

0 

0 

2 

91 

Konoloway,t 

Joseph  Powell,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

34 

Coram,f 
Upper  Freehold, 

0 
3 

0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
1 

30 
66 

Andrew  Harpendxng, 
.  James  Tapscott, 

Pittsgrove,t 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

MINUTES   OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


831 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

■d 

II 

1 

B 

■a 

1 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

Manaliawkin,f 
Vincent,! 

0 
0 

- 

0 

0 

19 

Tuckahoe, 
London  Tract, 

1 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

26 
38 

Thomas  Fleeson, 

0 

0 

Hilltown, 

(James  M'Laughlin, 
J.  Philip  Miller, 
[Isaac  Morris, 

7 

0 

0 

0 

0 

110 

Lower  Smithfield,! 

David  Jatne,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

Jacob's  Town, 

C  BcRGiss  Allison,^'*' 
<  William  Staughton, 
(  William  Snowden, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

65 

Pittstown,! 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

134 

fMarcus  Hook,! 
Roxbury, 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

19 

46 

f 

<  John  Levering, 
(  Michael  Conrad, 

Penn's  IManor, 

f  Alexander  M'Gowan, 
1  Caleb  Jeffers, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

1 

26 

Sideling  Hill,! 

Thomas  Runtan, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

50 

West  Creek, 

Peter  Groom,* 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

31 

Shemokin, 

John  Patten, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

50 

55 

15 

20 

21 

36 

2332 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licenced  preachers  in 
italics.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked 
thus  !  received  no  intelligence.     A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


332  MINUTES   OP   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

ADDENDA   TO   1797. 

BAPTIST  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL— PECUXIARY  TRANSFER,  &c. 

March  29th,  1797. 

"Whereas,  several  of  the  churches  belonging  to  the  Philadelphia 
Baptist  Association,  about  five  and  thirty  years  ago,  subscribed  and 
collected  money,  for  the  purpose  of  supporting  a  Grammar  school 
in  their  connection,  that  young  men,  promising  for  the  ministry, 
might  enjoy  the  benefits  of  education :  Now  the  subscribers,  trustees 
of  said  money,  considering :  That  it  is  inconvenient  for  them  from 
distant  parts  to  attend  to  so  small  a  concern ;  that  the  trustees  of 
the  Association  aforesaid  have  a  considerable  sum  or  sums  of  money 
in  their  hands  for  the  very  same  use  ;  that  the  said  Association 
trustees  could  take  care  of  and  apply  the  money  now  in  the  care  of 
the  subscribers  under  one  trouble,  if  the  same  was  committed  to 
their  care,  and  that  it  is  troublesome,  unnecessary  and  useless,  to 
have  two  sets  of  trustees  for  the  very  same  purpose : 

The  subscribers  do  therefore  resolve,  vote  and  determine,  that  the 
monies  in  their  care  for  the  use  above  said,  shall  be  delivered  to  the 
trustees  of  the  Association  aforesaid,  the  interest  whereof  to  be 
applied  by  said  trustees  to  the  original  use  and  design,  and  no  other ; 
and  the  said  Association  trustees  are  hereby  desired,  authorized, 
and  empowered  to  receive,  sue  for,  and  recover  all  monies,  bonds, 
notes,  book  debts,  books,  papers,  or  other  property  whatever  per- 
taining to  the  subscribers,  as  trustees  as  aforesaid,  and  to  give  proper 
receipts  and  discharges  for  the  same,  in  as  efi'ectual  a  manner  as 
themselves  might  or  could  do. 

In  witness  whereof,  they  have  hereunto  set  their  hands. 

Samuel  Jones,  of  Lower  Dublin. 
Silas  Hough,  of  Montgomery. 
Arthur  Watts, 
Benjamin  Bennet,  of  Middletown. 

[Note. — The  above  act  of  pecuniary  transfer  was  in  my  possession,  in  manu- 
script, and  does  not  appear  ever  to  have  been  incorporated  with  the  minutes, 
nor  regarded  as  belonging  properly  to  the  records  of  the  Association  ;  but  it 
belonging  now  to  history,  and  relating  to  property  for  "vvhich,  I  believe,  the 
Association  is  yet  responsible,  I  have  thought  best  to  insert  it  here. — Ud.] 


MINUTES 

OF   THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  NEW  IMILLS,  BURLINGTON  COUNTY,  NEW  JERSEY, 

OCTOBER  2d,  3d,  and  4th, 

1798. 


October  2d. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  M.,  Brother  Burgiss  Allison, 
agreeably  to  appointment  last  year,  preached  the  introductory  ser- 
mon, from  2  Corinthians  iv.  5,  "  For  we  preach  not  ourselves,  but 
Christ  Jesus  the  Lord;  and  ourselves  your  servants  for  Jesus' 
sake." 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother 
William  Rogers,  when  Brother  David  Jones  was  chosen  moderator, 
and  Brother  Burgiss  Allison,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  twenty-five  churches  were  read. 
Adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

October  3d,  ten  o'clock,  A.  m. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

4.  A  newly  constituted  church  at  Amwell  having  addressed  us 
by  letter  requesting  to  be  admitted  into  the  Association,  was  ac- 
cordingly received,  by  their  messengers,  John  Carr  and  John 
Manners. 

5.  Brother  William  Burton,  from  Nova  Scotia,  being  present,  was 
invited  to  take  a  seat  with  us. 

6.  Letters  from  the  following  corresponding  Associations,  with  their 
minutes,  were  received:  viz..  From  New  York,  by  Reune  Runyan,  as 
their  messenger ;  from  Warwick,  by  their  messenger,  John  Caton ; 
also,  from  Chaideston  and  Warren. 

7.  Appointed  the  following  brethren  to  write  to  the  different  As- 
sociations :  viz.,  Rogers,  to  the  Charleston  ;  Ustick,  to  the  Warren ; 
Staughton,  to  the  Now  York ;  Wilson,  to  the  Shaftsbury ;  Smalley, 
to  the  Warwick ;  and  Fleeson,  to  the  Delaware.  And  it  is  further 
understood,  that  those  who  cannot  conveniently  write  during  the 
session  of  the  Association,  may  write  at  their  leisure,  but  in  time 
to  transmit  the  letters  to  the  respective  Associations  prior  to  their 
meeting;  and  present  copies  to  the  next  Association. 

8.  The  following  brethen  are  appointed  as  messengers  to  the  dif- 
ferent Associations:  viz.,  Wilson,  to  the  New  York;  White  and 
Groom,  to  the  Shaftsbury  and  Warwick;  and  Vaughan,  to  the 
Delaware. 

f333) 


334  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION". 

9.  Brother  Ustick  brought  forward  the  letter  which  he  had  wi'it- 
ten  to  the  Warren  Association,  agreeably  to  the  13th  section  of  last 
year's  minutes,  which  was  approved. 

10.  The  church  at  Dividing  Creek  having  applied  for  supplies,  our 
Brethren  Skillman,  Smalley,  Groom,  and  Stancliff,  are  requested  to 
supply  them  at  convenient  seasons. 

11.  Received  a  letter  from  the  church  at  Opeckon  Creek,  Berke- 
ley county,  Virginia,  with  reference  to  their  letter  mentioned  in  the 
6th  section  of  last  year's  minutes :  and  also  a  statement  of  their 
diflBculties.    The  reading  of  the  statement  postponed  until  afternoon. 

Adjourned  until  two  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Two  o'clock,  p.  M. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

12.  The  statement  of  the  church  at  Opeckon  Creek,  postponed 
until  this  afternoon,  being  read,  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Association, 
that  the  Ketockton  Association  be  again  written  to  on  the  subject, 
indicating  that  if  we  do  not  receive  from  them  satisfactory  reasons 
by  our  next  Association,  why  said  church  should  not  be  received,  we 
shall  admit  the  church.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  was  accordingly 
appointed  to  write  to  said  Association. 

13.  The  Brethren  appointed  as  a  council,  in  the  7th  section  of 
our  last  year's  minutes,  to  investigate  and  give  advice  respecting 
certain  difficulties  subsisting  in  Brandywine  church,  report : 

That  they  found  the  church  in  a  disagreeable  situation  ;  that  party 
spirit  ran  high ;  that  they  labored  after  a  reconciliation,  but  were 
not  so  happy  as  to  succeed.  Nevertheless,  hoping  that  an  accommo- 
dation may  yet  be  brought  about ;  therefore,  appointed  another 
committee,  consisting  of  our  Brethren  Skillman,  Wilson,  Ustick, 
M'Gowan,  Smalley,  and  Carlisle,  to  attend  again  upon  the  above 
business,  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  November  next,  at  ten  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  and  make  report  at  the  ensuing  Association. 

14.  The  circular  letter  written  by  Brother  David  Jones,  was 
read ;  and  Brethren  Samuel  Jones,  Reune  Runyan,  Isaac  Skillman, 
William  Staughton,  and  Burgiss  Allison,  were  appointed  a  commit- 
tee to  revise  the  same  in  conjunction  with  the  author. 

Adjourned  until  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

October  4th,  ten  o'clock,  A.  m. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

15.  The  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  circular  letter,  brought 
it  forward  with  amendments,  which  being  read,  it  was  approved. 

16.  The  letter  to  the  New  York  Association,  written  by  Brother 
Staughton,  was  read  and  approved. 

17.  The  committee  appointed  in  the  14th  section  of  last  year's 
minutes,  to  examine  the  amendment  of  the  church  discipline,  report : 
That  having  revised,  and  by  a  majority  approved  the  same,  they  or- 
dered it  to  be  printed. 

18.  Brother  Skillman  is  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter  for 
the  ensuing  year,  and  left  to  his  own  discretion  as  to  the  subject. 

19.  Brother  Burton,  who  is  now  travelling  to  make  collections 
from  the  churches  to  assist  in  building  a  meeting-house  in  Halifax, 
Nova  Scotia,  at  the  request  of  the  Association,  read  his  credentials. 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  835 

which  were   fully  satisfactory.     We   therefore   recommend   to   the 
churches  to  assist  him  in  so  laudable  an  object. 

20.  Brother  Memminger  is  appointed  to  preach  the  introductory 
sermon  next  year ;  and,  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  Staughton. 

21.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  is  requested  to  draw  up  a  map  of  the 
relative  situations  of  all  the  Associations  in  the  Unites  States. 

22.  Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
minutes. 

23.  The  Association  is  appointed  to  meet  on  the  first  Tuesday 
in  October,  1799,  by  divine  permission,  in  Philadelphia ;  or  in 
case  any  malignant  disorder  should  prevail  in  the  city,  at  the  Great 
Yalley. 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  REV.  DAVID  JONES,  A.  M. 

The  messengers  of  the  churches  of  Christ  belonging  to  the  Phila- 
delphia Baptist  Association,  met  at  New  Mills,  in  the  State  of  New 
Jersey. 

To  their  respective  churches,  send  greeting. 

Beloved  brethren, — We  have  been  once  more  prevented  assembling 
in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  by  a  dreadful  visitation  from  God.  What- 
ever may  be  the  natural  cause  of  this  complaint,  no  doubt  sin  is  the 
procuring  cause ;  nor  can  we  reasonably  expect  a  removal  of  the 
calamity  without  a  suitable  reformation  among  the  inhabitants,  for 
which  we  ought  fervently  to  pray  to  God;  and  who  knoweth  but 
he  may,  in  his  great  mercy,  graciously  answer  our  supplications. 

The  subject  to  which  we  shall  call  your  attentions  this  year  is, 
"  Religious  worship  and  the  Sabbath  day,"  being  Chapter  XXII.  of 
our  Confession  of  faith. 

That  there  is  an  eternal,  almighty,  unsearchable  God,  the  creator 
and  upholder  of  all  things,  the  works  of  creation,  as  well  as  divine 
revelation,  do  clearly  make  appear ;  but  the  acceptable  manner,  in 
which  we  are  to  honor  and  worship  him,  is  made  known  only  by 
divine  revelation,  for  which  we  should  ever  adore  our  God. 

The  object  of  all  divine  and  religious  worship,  is  the  Godhead, 
consisting  of  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit;  and  these  three  personal 
distinctions  are  only  one  and  the  same  Divine  Being,  from  everlast- 
ing to  everlasting  the  same  one,  living,  and  true  God,  blessed  for 
evermore. 

That  He  alone  is  the  object  of  religious  worship,  is  evident 
from  many  texts  of  Holy  Scripture,  and  in  particular  Matt.  iv.  10, 
"  Thou  shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou 
serve." 

All  religious  worship  is  to  be  performed  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  who  is  the  only  Mediator  between  God  and  men.  To 
call  on  any  other  as  mediator  or  intercessor,  is  contrary  to  divine  re- 
velation, and  highly  dishonorable  to  our  adorable  Redeemer,  as  well 
as  shameful  idolatry.  Nor  should  such  idolaters  ever  be  esteemed 
Christians,  whatever  they  may  believe,  or  profess  to  believe,  on  other 
subjects  connected  with  Christianity.     Some  of  the  texts  of  Scrip- 


336  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

ture  to  which  we  would  refer  you,  on  this  subject,  are  the  following, 
viz.,  "  I  am  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life :  no  man  cometh  unto 
the  Father,  but  by  me,"  John  xiv.  6.  And  in  the  13th  verse,  it  is  said, 
"  Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name,  that  will  I  do,  that  the  Father 
may  be  glorified  in  the  Son."  "  There  is  one  God,  and  one  Mediator 
between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus,"  1  Tim.-  ii.  5;  "For 
through  him,  we  both  have  access,  by  one  Spirit,  unto  the  Father," 
Eph.  ii.  18. 

And  whereas,  by  reason  of  the  fall,  all  men  are  depraved,  blind, 
and  insensible  of  their  spiritual  wants,  it  is  necessary  to  have  the 
assistance  of  the  holy  Spirit  to  prepare  our  hearts,  and  strengthen 
our  souls  to  give  glory  and  honor  to  God  suitable  to  the  divine  na- 
ture. Our  faith  on  this  subject  is  founded  on  the  following  texts, 
with  many  others :  viz.,  "  And  I  will  pour  upon  the  house  of  David, 
and  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  the  spirit  of  grace  and  of 
supplications,"  Zach.  xii.  10;  "Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth 
our  infirmities :  for  we  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for  as  we 
ought;  but  the  Spirit  itself  maketh  intercession  for  us,"  Rom.  viii. 
26.  Many  other  passages  of  Scripture  might  be  mentioned  to  the 
same  purpose;  but  this  subject  is  generally  acknowledged  by  all  who 
are  worthy  of  the  name  of  Christians.  At  the  same  time,  we  may 
confess  with  deep  humility  and  sorrow  of  heart,  that  God  has  in  a 
great  measure  suspended  the  powerful  operations  of  his  Holy  Spirit 
in  our  churches.  Oh  that  it  were  with  us  as  in  years  past !  All  our 
preaching,  and  all  your  hearing,  will  be  to  little  purpose,  without  the 
gracious  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

We  now  proceed  to  observe  a  few  things  with  respect  to  the  time 
of  performing  religious  worship.  We  are  taught  that  God  is  a  Spi- 
rit, and  must  be  worshipped  in  spirit  and  in  truth,  and  that  we  should 
pray  without  ceasing;  yet  it  is  necessary  to  have,  in  the  churches, 
fixed  times  for  public  worship.  And  it  is  to  be  wished  that  all  Chris- 
tians were  unanimous  on  this  subject ;  but  there  is  little  hope  of  this 
being  the  case,  till  we  drop  all  traditions  and  traditional  modes  of 
speech ;  for  these  things  will  cause  many  mistakes. 

The  compilers  of  our  Confession  of  faith  were  desirous  to  use  the 
same  language  with  other  Christians,  as  far  as  was  thought  consist- 
ent with  a  good  conscience ;  and  it  may  be,  on  this  subject,  they  con- 
formed more  than  can  be  supported  by  the  Holy  Scriptures,  or  any 
ai'guments  justly  drawn  from  them.  Should  we  express  ourselves  in 
a  manner  different  from  them,  we  are  in  hopes  it  will  give  no  offence 
to  any  of  our  brethren;  and  we  are  rather  persuaded  the  manner  in 
which  we  shall  treat  this  subject,  will  be  generally  acceptable,  if  the 
arguments  are  calmly  considered. 

We  shall  inquire  into  two  points  relative  to  the  subject. 

I.  Whether  the  fourth  command  was  moral  or  ceremonial  ? 

II.  By  what  authority  Christians  observe  the  first  day  of  the  week 
as  a  day  of  worship  ? 

I.  It  is  not  pretended  that  the  word  moral  is  used  either  in  the 
Old  or  New  Testament.     By  it,  we  understand  those  obligations, 


MINUTES    OP    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  337 

Trhlcli  in  their  nature  are  unalterable,  and  binding  on  all  men;  and 
by  ceremonial,  we  are  to  understand  such  commands  as  were  types 
or  shadows  of  spiritual  things,  which  might  be  abolished  by  the  will 
of  the  legislator. 

Having  premised  these  things,  we  proceed  to  show  that  the  fourth 
command  was  not  moral,  notwithstanding  it  is  sometimes  placed  with 
moral  commands ;  but  this  is  not  always  the  case. 

There  is  in  the  nature  of  things  no  reason  why  one  day  should  be 
appropriated  to  religious  worship  more  than  another,  for  God  is  the 
same  every  day,  and  is  to  be  worshipped  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  The 
observance  of  one  day  more  than  another  was  instituted  for  certain 
reasons,  and  was  binding  on  those  to  whom  the  will  of  God  was  made 
known ;  but  not  on  the  Gentiles,  who  were  never  charged  with  a 
breach  of  the  Sabbath.  The  word  Sabbath  signifies  rest ;  and  two 
reasons  are  given  in  Scripture  why  God  enjoined  it  on  the  Jews. 
The  first  is  that  God  finished  the  works  of  creation  in  six  days,  and 
rested  the  seventh,  Ex.  xx.  11.  The  second  reason  is  the  deliverance 
of  Israel  from  their  bondage  in  Egypt.  When  Moses  repeated  the 
law  in  Deut.  v.  15,  he  said,  "  And  remember  that  thou  wast  a  servant 
in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  that  the  Lord  thy  God  brought  thee  out 
thence,  through  a  mighty  hand,  and  by  a  stretched  out  arm ;  therefore, 
the  Lord  thy  God  commanded  thee  to  keep  the  Sabbath  day."  The 
Sabbath  is  repeatedly  mentioned  as  a  sign  between  God  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  throughout  their  generations,  and  seems  limited  to  them. 

For  want  of  room,  we  must  omit  many  arguments ;  but  it  may 
suffice  to  say  that  a  ceremonial  command  is  an  institution  of  God 
to  bring  to  mind  some  events  past,  or  to  come.  Such  was  the  pass- 
over,  and  such  was  the  Jewish  Sabbath.  It  brought  to  mind  the 
finishing  of  the  creation  in  six  days,  and  God's  resting  the  seventh, 
as  well  as  the  deliverance  of  the  children  of  Israel  from  their  bon- 
dage in  Egypt ;  and  it  alludes  to  that  rest  which  a  soul  enjoys  when 
enabled  to  believe  in  Christ. 

The  answer  of  our  blessed  Lord  to  the  Pharisees,  accusing  his 
disciples  of  breaking  the  Sabbath,  plainly  proves  that  he  considered 
the  Sabbath  as  a  ceremonial  command.  We  shall  transcribe  the 
passage  and  make  a  few  remarks.  "  And  he  said  unto  them.  Have 
ye  never  read  what  David  did,  when  he  had  need,  ^nd  was  an  hun- 
gred,  he,  and  they  that  were  with  him  ?  How  he  went  into  the 
house  of  God  in  the  days  of  Abiathar,  the  high  priest;,  and  did  eat 
the  shew  bread,  which  is  not  lawful  to  eat,  but  for  the  priests,  and 
gave  also  to  them  that  were  with  him  ?  And  he  said  unto  them, 
The  Sabbath  was  made  for  man,  and  not  man  for  the  Sabbath  ; 
therefore,  the  Son  of  man  is  Lord  also  of  the  Sabbath,"  Mark  ii. 
25,  26,  27,  28.  This  passage  affords  an  unanswerable  proof  in  what 
light  Christ  considered  the  Sabbath ;  for  had  the  Sabbath  been  a 
moral  command,  there  would  have  been  no  propriety  in  quoting  the 
breach  of  a  ceremonial  command  as  a  parallel  case. 

II.  We  proceed  to  show  by  what  authority  we  keep  the  first  day 
of  the  week,  as  a  day  of  Christian  worship. 

43 


S38  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

We  would  premise  that  the  duties  of  the  Gospel  differ  in  many 
respects  from  the  law  of  Moses ;  for  the  law  says,  "  Do  this  and 
thou  shalt  live ;"  but  the  Gospel  says,  "  Live,  and  as  a  child  of  God 
and  joint  heir  with  Christ,  do  this,  for  his  yoke  is  easy  and  his 
burden  is  light." 

We  do  not  say  that  there  is  any  express  command  in  the  New 
Testament  positively  making  it  a  duty  to  worship  on  the  first  day 
of  the  week  ;  yet  from  the  examples  of  the  disciples,  we  have  reason 
to  believe  that  the  disciples  met  by  the  authority  of  Christ ;  for 
some  of  his  last  words  to  his  apostles  were  a  solemn  injunction,  to 
do  as  he  commanded,  which  are  these :  "  Teaching  them  to  observe 
all  things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you,"  Matt,  xxviii.  20. 
If  we  admit  that  the  apostles  were  faithful,  of  which  we  can  have 
no  doubt,  we  must  believe  that  their  practice  was  conformable  to  the 
command  of  Christ ;  we  would,  therefore,  refer  you  to  their  example, 
recorded  in  John  xx.  19  and  26,  "Then  the  same  day,  at  evening, 
being  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when  the  doors  were  shut  where  the 
disciples  were  assembled,  for  fear  of  the  Jews,  came  Jesus,  and  stood 
in  the  midst,  and  saith  unto  them.  Peace  be  unto  you."  "And after 
eight  days,  again  his  disciples  were  within,  and  Thomas  with  them. 
Then  came  Jesus,  the  doors  being  shut,  and  stood  in  the  midst,  and 
said.  Peace  be  unto  you."  And  in  Acts  xx.  7,  "And  upon  the  first  day 
of  the  week,  when  the  disciples  came  together  to  break  bread,  Paul 
preached  unto  them."  The  historian  mentions  it  as  the  practice  of 
the  church  at  Troas,  and  hence  we  find  it  as  the  known  and  estab- 
lished order  of  Christian  churches  in  Galatia  and  Corinth,  as  appears 
from  1  Cor.  xvi.  1,  2.  And  in  John's  time,  it  seems  to  have  obtained 
the  name  of  the  Lord's  day.  Rev.  i.  10. 

We  must  close  this  epistle  in  a  few  words  respecting  the  manner 
in  which  this  day  of  worship  ought  to  be  observed. 

1.  Let  us  avoid  all  worldly  business  as  far  as  possible,  that  we 
may  with  singleness  of  heart  wait  upon  God  in  all  the  appointed 
means  of  grace.  Li  order  to  obtain  this  end,  we  should  use  our 
best  endeavors  to  dismiss  all  our  worldly  affairs  on  the  seventh  day 
of  the  week,  that  we  may  be  prepared  for  divine  worship. 

2.  We  should  spend  the  morning  of  the  Lord's  day  in  prayer  or 
reading  the  holy  Scriptures,  or  other  good  books  composed  by  the 
servants  of  Jesus  Christ ;  and  never  allow  small  excuses  to  prevent 
our  meeting  with  the  disciples  of  Christ  for  divine  worship.  None 
can  tell  how  much  is  lost  by  omissions  of  duty.  It  is  good  to  wait 
on  the  Lord,  for  he  walks  in  the  midst  of  the  golden  candlesticks, 
and  sits  as  a  refiner  or  purifier  of  his  people.  From  the  apostle's 
words,  in  Heb.  x.  25,  it  seems  some  were  faulty  in  his  day,  and 
forsook  the  assembling  together,  a  sure  sign  of  backsliding  of 
heart.  Think  not  the  duties  of  the  day  ended  when  you  have  at- 
tended public  worship ;  but  make  a  good  improvement  of  time,  for 
it  is  very  precious.  Therefore,  redeem  the  time  by  doubling  your 
diligence. 

Be  not  conformed  to  the  vain  customs  of  the  present  age,  in  pay- 


MESrUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


339 


ing  or  receiving  unprofitable  visits  on  the  Lord's  clay,  for  this  will 
tend  to  destroy  the  power  of  religion. 

From  the  above  arguments,  we  may  justly  infer,  that  the  religious 
observance  of  the  Lord's  day  for  divine  w^orship,  is  warranted  by 
the  examples  of  the  apostles  and  churches  in  their  days.  Conse- 
quently, we  have  sufficient  grounds  to  believe  that  it  was  by  the 
authority  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  the  head  of 
his  church  and  lawgiver  to  the  body. 

And  now,  dear  brethren,  we  commend  you  to  God  and  the  word 
of  his  grace,  and  remain  in  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 
By  order  of  the  Association, 

David  Jones,  Moderator. 
BuRGiss  Allison,  Clerk. 

THE  MINISTERS  AND   MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,   AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 

3  ^ 

1 

a 
8 

g 

1 

M 

I.& 

P 

o 

s 

Lower  Dublin, 

Samcel  Jones, 
Benjamin  Dungan, 

0 

5 

0 

0 

1 

74 

Middletown,-}- 

Benjamin  Bennet,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

138 

Cohansie, 

f  Henry  Smalley, 
(  Isaac  Wheaton, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

105 

Great  Valley, 

Datid  Jones, 

1 

0 

1 

0 

1 

63 

Cape  May,t 

John  Stanclifp,* 
[  James  Ewing, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

47 

Hopewell, 

]  Paul  Hill, 

'  Abraham  Servis, 

[  Joshua  Vaughan, 

17 

1 

9 

1 

0 

128 

Brandy  wine, 

I  William  Simeson, 
'  Thomas  Davis, 

'  Joshua  Jones,* 

0 

0 

1 

1 

0 

84 

Montgomery, 

Charles  Humphrey, 
'  Silas  Hough, 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

28 

Kingwood, 

i  Garner  Hunt, 
[  John  Robinson, 

'  Peter  Wilson, 

6 

0 

10 

1 

1 

68 

Haight's  Town, 

Thomas  Dye, 
Peter  Job, 

John  Blakeley, 

12 

2 

1 

0 

4 

290 

'Thomas  Ustick, 

William  Rogers, 

0 

Isaac  Carlisle, 

Philadelphia, 

George  Ingolls, 
John  M'Leod, 

■| 

Southampton, 

Benjamin  Thaw, 
George  Allen, 

o 

0 

2 

0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

1 

148 
89 

Thomas  Folwell, 

Knowlton,t 

Daniel  Vaughan,* 

0 

0 

01 

0 

0 

43 

340 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATIOX. 


churches. 

ministers  and  messengers. 

1 

1 
n 

0 

17 
0 

13 

6 
0 

7 
0 
0 
0 
2 

0 

2 
0 

2 
0 
0 
2 

0 
0 

8 
0 

0 

ll 
«^ 

1 

1 

0 

1 

1 

0 

0 
0 
0 

1 

0 
0 

2 
0 

2 
0 
0 
1 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

1 

a 

0 

1 

0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

1 

0 
0 

1 

0 

8 
0 
0 
0 

6 
0 

0 
0 

0 

i 

X 

0 

2 
0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

0 

0 

0 
0 
0 
0 

1 

0 

0 
0 

0 

■6 
a 

s 
1 

4 
5 

1 

1 

0 

1 

0 
0 

1 

0 
0 

1 

0 

1 

0 
0 
0 

1 

0 

1 

0 
0 

1 

M 

30 

82 
55 

102 

40 
30 

72 
0 
0 
23 
29 
39 

111 

26 

60 

134 

19 

49 

18 
50 

38 
50 

16 

New  Britain, 

Salem, 
Dividing  Creek, 

New  Mills, 

Konoloway, 
Coram,t" 

Upper  Freehold, 

Pittsgrove,t 
Manahawkin,t 
Vincent, 
Tuckahoe, 
London  Tract, 

Hilltown, 

Lower  Smithfield,! 

Jacob's  Town, 

Pittstown,t 
Markus  Hook,t 
Roxbury, 

Penn's  Manor, 

Sideling  Hill,t 

West  Creek, 

Shemokin,t 

Amwell, 

'  William  White, 
Edward  Matthew, 

C  Isaac  Skillman, 

<  John  Walker, 

(  Sylvanus  Shepherd, 

Alexander  IM'Gowan, 
Benjamin  Hedger, 
Henry  Chambers, 
Jacob  Woolston, 
Samuel  Jones, 
.Job  Rogers, 

5  Joseph  Powell,* 
(  Abednego  Stephens, 

f  Andrew  Harpending, 
■j  James  Tapscott, 
[  David  Burcalo,* 

Thomas  Fleeson, 

'  James  M'Laughlin,* 
■  Philip  Miller, 

David  Jatne,* 

C  BuRGiss  Allison, 
}  William  Stacghton, 
(  William  Snowden, 

r 

\  Caleb  Jeffers, 

Thomas  Runtan,* 

f  Peter  Groom, 
1  Lemuel  Edwards, 

John  Patten,* 
r 

<  John  Carr, 
[John  Manners, 

97 

20 

40 

7 

29 

2394 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers  in 
italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  churches  marked  thus  f 
received  no  letter.     A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 

*^*A  particular  return  of  the  collections  for  distant  churches  is  neces 
sarily  deferred  until  next  Association,  when  it  is  expected  the  business  will  be 
concluded. 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION. 

HELD  AT  THE  GREAT  VALLEY,  CHESTER  COUNTY,  PENNSYLVANIA, 
OCTOBER  1st,  2d,  AND  3d, 

1799. 


October  1st. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Brother  Thomas  Memminger 
being  prevented  by  indisposition,  Brother  William  Staughton,  agree- 
ably to  appointment  last  year,  preached  the  introductory  sermon, 
from  Psalm  xlviii.  12,  13,  "  Walk  about  Zion  and  go  round  about 
her,  tell  the  towers  thereof,  and  mark  well  her  bulwarks,  consider 
her  palaces,  that  ye  may  tell  it  to  the  generations  following." 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother 
David  Jones,  when  Brother  Burgiss  Allison  was  chosen  moderator, 
and  Brother  William  Staughton,  clerk. 

3.  ^Letters  from  twenty-nine  churches  were  read. 

4.  Brother  Isaac  Skillman,  who  was  appointed  to  write  the  circular 
letter,  being  removed  by  death,  Brother  Samuel  Jones  is  requested 
to  prepare  one. 

After  prayer  by  the  moderator,  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 

October  2d,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Brother  David  Jones  prayed. 

5.  Letters  from  the  following  corresponding  Associations,  with 
their  minutes,  were  received: — From  New  York,  by  their  mes- 
senger. Rev.  William  Vanhorn ;  from  Warwick,  by  Bev.  John  Wil- 
liams; from  Delaware,  by  Brother  Jesse  Walraven,  and  from 
Charleston. 

6.  Appointed  the  following  brethren  to  write  to  the  different  As- 
sociations : — Staughton,  to  Charleston  ;  Ellis,  to  Warren  ;  Ustick, 
to  New  York  ;  Wilson,  to  Shaftsbury ;  Ewing,  to  Warwick  ;  Hunt, 
to  the  Delaware ;  and  to  produce  the  letters  to-morrow. 

7.  The  following  brethren  are  appointed  messengers  to  the  Asso 
ciations : — M'Gowan,  M'Laughlin,  and  Ewing,  to  New  Y'ork ; 
Vaughan,  to  Delaware;  and  Harpending,  to  Shaftsbury. 

(341) 


342  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

8.  The  church  at  Salem  having  applied  for  assistance,  we  will  en- 
deavor to  supply  them. 

9.  The  church  at  Manahawkin  may  expect  supplies. 

10.  Supplies  also  granted  to  Pittsgrove. 

11.  To  Tuckahoe. 

12.  To  Dividing  Creek. 

Note. — It  is  particularly  recommended  by  the  Association,  that  such  churches 
as  are  destitute  of  Pastors,  do  endeavor  regularly  to  support  divine  worship. 
Their  widowed  state  bespeaks  the  necessity  for  prayer,  and  the  promises  of  the 
Lord  of  the  harvest  encourage  it.  In  most  churches  there  are  brethren  who 
can  with  acceptableness  to  a  congregation  read  sermons  ;  and  the  support  of 
unity  and  intercourse  among  the  brethren,  as  well  as  the  duty  of  publicly 
venerating  the  Lord's  day  in  the  midst  of  an  infidel  world,  loudly  call  for  these 
holy  services. 

13.  The  brethren  appointed  as  a  committee  to  give  advice  relative 
to  existing  difficulties  in  Brandywine  church,  reported  the  course 
of  conduct  they  had  recommended  to  that  church,  which  was  fully 
approved. 

Brother  Samuel  Jones  concluded  in  prayer. 

Adjourned  for  an  hour — one  o'clock. 

Two  o'clock,  p.  M. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

14.  Agreeably  to  the  request  of  the  committee,  the  church  at 
Brandywine  reported  their  proceedings  consequent  on  the  commit- 
tee's advice;  on  which  the  Association  directed,  That  its  opinion  be 
transmitted  to  the  complaining  parties,  in  writing,  which  was  ac- 
cordingly done. 

Brother  William  Rogers  prayed.  Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 

Sermon  at  four  o'clock  by  Brother  William  Vanhorn,  from  Col.  ii. 
10,  "And  ye  are  complete  in  him,  which  is  the  head  of  all  princi- 
pality and  power." 

October  3d,  10  o'clock,  a.  m. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

15.  The  case  of  the  church  at  Opeckon  Creek  being  taken  up  by 
the  Association,  and  a  letter  from  the  Ketockton  Association,  and 
another  from  the  church  at  Opeckon  Creek,  on  the  subject,  being 
read,  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Association  that  the  subject  be  dis- 
missed, and  that  Brother  Samuel  Jones  be  appointed  to  write,  both 
to  the  Ketockton  Association  and  to  said  church,  our  reasons  for  this 
measure. 

16.  The  letters  to  the  different  Associations  were  read  and 
approved. 

17.  The  circular  letter,  produced  by  Brother  Samuel  Jones,  was 
read  and  approved. 

18.  The  church  at  Sidling  Hill  requesting  dismission  to  a  nearer 
Association,  it  was  granted. 

19.  Brother  Staughton  is  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter  for 
the  ensuing  year,  and  left  to  his  own  discretion  as  to  the  subject. 

20.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  and  Brother  Staughton  are  appointed 
to  prepare  a  map  of  the  situation  of  the  churches  in  this  Associa- 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  843 

tion,  and  to  inform  themselves  of  the  probable  expense  attending  its 
engraving. 

21.  Apprehensive  that  many  advantages  may  result  from  a  general 
conference,  composed  of  one  or  more  members  from  each  Associa- 
tion, to  be  held  every  one,  two,  or  three  years,  as  may  seem  most 
subservient  to  the  general  interests  of  our  Lord's  kingdom ;  this  As- 
sociation respectfully  invites  the  different  Associations  in  the  United 
States  to  favor  them  with  their  views  on  the  subject. 

22.  Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  forward  to  each  Association 
in  the  United  States  a  copy  of  our  minutes,  on  account  of  the  above 
request. 

23.  The  four  following  days,  viz.,  the  first  Tuesday  in  January, 
April,  July,  and  October,  are  recommended  as  days  of  humiliation 
and  prayer,  that  we  may  humble  ourselves  under  the  hand  of  God, 
and  seek  his  forgiveness  and  favor;  and  that  he  would  be  pleased  to 
pour  out  his  Spirit  upon  his  churches. 

24.  This  Association,  desirous  of  spreading  ecclesiastic  informa- 
tion, recommend  "  Crosby's  History  of  the  English  Baptists  "  to  our 
chm'ches  and  sister  Associations,  as  a  valuable  work ;  and  hope  that, 
should  our  Brother  Ustick  be  disposed  to  publish  it,  he  will  meet  with 
universal  encouragement. 

25.  Brother  Ustick  reports  that  the  moneys  raised  for  the  Savan- 
nah African  church  were : 

From  the  church  at  Middletown,  -  -  -  $22  00 

From  the  church  at  Montgomery.      -  -  -  -         13  50 

From  other  churches  in  smaller  sums,  -  -  36  34| 

$71  84i 
Which  was  remitted  in  the  following  manner,  viz. 

Cash  sent  by  Mr.  Michaels,  -  -  -  -  $10  00 

Paid  by  Rev.  Mr.  Furman,  -  -  -  -  30  00 

An  order  on  Mr.  John  Hamilton,  for        -  -  -  31  89 


$71  89 
26.    Collections  received   for  Shemokin  church,  viz.,  from  the 


church  at 


Montgomery, 

$4  56J 

Philadelphia, 

40  05 

Penepek, 

5  03 

Hopewell, 

5  62* 

Hilltown, 

4  75 

$60  02 


Paid  Mr.  Daniel  Rhees,  $55  27 

Paid  to  Rev.  Mr.  Patten,  4  75 


$60  02 


27.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  is  appointed  to  preach  the  Association 
sermon  next  year ;  and  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  William  Rogers. 

28.  Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
minutes. 

29.  The  Association  is  appointed  to  meet,  on  the  first  Tuesday  in 
October,  1800,  at  two  o'clock,  p.  m.,  at  Philadelphia;  but  in  case  of 
the  return  of  the  fever  there,  to  be  held  at  Cohansie. 


344  MIXUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATIOX. 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  REV.  SAMTEL  JONES,  D.  D. 

The  elders  and  messengers  ef  the  several  Baptist  churches,  per- 
taining to  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Association,  convened  at  the 
Great  Valley,  on  Tuesday,  October  1st,  1799. 

To  the  several  churches  to  whom  they  relate  send  Christian 
salutation. 

Beloved  Brethren, — While  we  lament  the  distress  in  which  our  me- 
tropolis is  involved,  which  prevented  our  meeting  there,  yet  we  have 
the  pleasure  to  observe  that  we  have  had  a  pretty  general  represen- 
tation from  the  churches  in  our  connection,  and  a  comfortable  oppor- 
tunity, for  which  we  desire  to  be  thankful. 

You  will  see  by  the  returns  from  the  churches,  that  although  it  be 
a  dark  and  declining  day,  yet  the  Lord  has  not  left  us  without  the 
manifestation  of  his  power  and  grace,  but  has  granted  some  quicken- 
ing and  refreshing  showers  of  divine  influence  in  divers  places,  both 
in  our  bounds  and  those  of  our  sister  Associations. 

Being  disappointed  in  addressing  you  at  this  time,  from  the  pen 
of  that  great  man  we  last  year  appointed  to  that  service,  you  can 
expect  but  a  few  general  hints,  imperfectly  penned,  in  the  midst  of 
the  hui-ry  of  business. 

Dr.  Skillmax  is  no  more !  He  has  been  removed,  we  trust,  from 
his  labors  in  the  church  militant  to  that  rest  which  remaineth  for 
the  people  of  God,  and  though  we  feel  and  lament  the  loss  we 
sustain  by  this  heavenly  visitation,  yet  we  desire  to  be  resigned  to 
the  divine  will,  in  a  comfortable  assm'ance  that  our  loss  is  his  gain. 

When  we  take  a  view,  brethren,  of  the  number  of  churches  desti- 
tute of  those  to  go  in  and  out  before  them,  and  break  unto  them  the 
bread  of  Hfe,  and  at  the  same  time  that  there  are  so  few  likely  to 
come  forward  in  the  ministry,  while  so  many  are  removed  from  their 
posts  on  Zion's  walls ;  we  think  it  a  time,  when  we  shoidd  feel  with 
solemn  weight  on  our  minds,  the  force  of  our  blessed  Lord's  injunc- 
tion when  he  said,  '^  Pray  ye  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  would 
send  forth  many  laborers  into  his  harvest,"  and  we  wish  it  to  be 
more  effectually  impressed  on  each  of  our  hearts.  Yes,  brethren, 
we  beseech  you  all  to  attend  seriously  to  this  weighty  consideration. 

When  we  consider  the  unbounded  mercies  of  God,  the  rich  dis- 
plays of  his  goodness  and  grace  in  the  various  dispensations  of  his 
hand,  both  in  a  spiritual  and  temporal  way,  we  have  the  highest 
reason  to  praise  and  adore  his  holy  name.  May  the  streams  of  his 
bounty  lead  us  to  him  who  is  the  fountain  of  all  good,  may  they  lead 
us  to  unfeigned  repentance,  that  shall  be  attended  with  reformation 
of  life,  and  influence  us  to  walk  worthy  of  the  high  vocation  where- 
"with  we  are  called.  How  desirable  to  experience  the  shedding  abroad 
of  the  constraining  love  of  God  in  our  hearts.  Then  shall  we  love  as 
brethren,  then  shall  we  be  moved  to  diligence  in  the  use  and  improve- 
ment of  the  privileges,  means  and  opportunities  we  enjoy,  whereby 
we  may  grow  in  grace,  and  abound  in  holy  zeal.  How  indispensable 
to  cause  our  light  to  shine  before  men,  that  they  seeing  our  good 


MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  345 

VTorks  may  glorify  our  Father  who  is  in  heaven.  Yes,  brethren,  let 
us,  by  our  demeanor  and  deportment  in  life,  recommend  to  others  the 
holy  religion  we  profess,  as  it  were  stamp  it  with  the  seal  of  reality 
and  truth,  and  cause  the  beholders  to  observe,  that  we  have  been 
with  Jesus  and  learned  of  him.  Is  it  not  of  serious  concern,  that 
when  the  preacher  explains  the  principles  of  pure  and  undefiled  reli- 
gion, in  regard  to  their  native  tendency  to  holiness  and  purity  of 
life ;  the  very  professors  of  that  religion  should  by  their  unworthy 
conduct,  caution  the  hearers  not  to  believe  the  preacher,  and  as  it 
were  testify  that  there  was  not  a  word  of  truth  in  what  he  says  ? 

Permit  us,  brethren,  before  we  close,  to  beseech  you  to  bear  in 
mind  those  who  labor  among  you  in  word  and  doctrine.  We  beseech 
and  intreat  you  to  pray  for  them;  that  a  door  of  utterance  may  be 
given  unto  them  abundantly,  and  that  the  power  of  God  may  rest 
on  their  labors;  and  withal  make  conscience  of  contributing  to- 
wards their  comfortable  support  as  God  has  prospered  you.  Finally, 
Brethren,  farewell. 

"  Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead  our 
Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of 
the  everlasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work,  to 
do  his  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well  pleasing  in  his  sight, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.   Amen." 

BuKGiss  Allison,  Moderator. 
William  Staughton,  Clerk. 


Note. — Crosljy's  History  will  be  comprised  in  4  volumes  octavo,  neatly  bound 
and  lettered,  at  six  dollars,  unless  it  should  be  thought  more  eligible  to  abridge 
the  work.  The  sister  Associations  are  requested  to  send  their  advice  and  sub- 
scriptions to  the  meeting  of  this  Association  in  October  next,  or  to  T.  Ustick, 
previously. 


41 


346 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS   AT  THE    ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


s 

"%  o 

'p 

•a 

■6 

t 

CHURCHES. 

ministers  and  messengers. 

0 

IS 
1 

1 
5 

o 

1 

1 

03 

1 

.a 

a 

J           TV  1 T                 f  Samuel  Jones, 
Lower  Dubhn,             |  Thomas  Holmes, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

75 

Middletown, 

Benjamin  Bennett,* 

0 

0 

4 

0 

0 

4 

132 

Cohansie, 

Henry  Smalley,* 
David  Shepherd, 

3 

0 

0 

0 

1 

8 

99 

Great  Valley, 

David  Jones, 
John  Boggs, 
Daniel  Cornog, 
Isaac  Abraham, 
James  Abraham, 
Jonathan  Philips, 
Enoch  Jones, 
David  George, 
_  Isaac  Bewla, 

2 

0 

2 

0 

0 

2 

61 

Cape  May,t 

John  Stancliff,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

47 

Hopewell, 

'  James  Ewing, 
John  Blackwell,* 
David  Stout, 
Joseph  Ott, 

55 

0 

1 

1 

0 

4 

179 

Brandywine, 

'Joshua  Vaughan,* 
William  Simonson, 
John  Garret,  jr., 
Thomas  Davis, 
Thomas  Stroud, 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

85 

Montgomery, 

"  Joshua  Jones, 

_  Charles  Humphreys, 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

1 

28 

Kingwood, 

Garner  Hunt, 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

70 

Haight's  Town, 

',  Peter  Wilson, 
John  Mawford, 

38 

1 

3 

0 

1 

3 

322 

Philadelphia, 
Southampton, 

'  Thomas  Ustick, 
William  Rogers, 
Isaac  Carlisle, 
George  IngoUs, 
John  M'Leod, 
Hugh  Gorley, 
Joseph  Keen,* 
Benjamin  Thaw,* 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

2 

126 

87 

Arthur  Watts, 
Abel  Marple, 
Thomas  Folwell,* 

Knowlton, 
New  Britain, 

Salem,                        -i 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

17 

'William  White,* 
Edward  Matthews, 
William  James, 
Ephraim  Thomas, 

r 

21 
0 

1 

2 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

3 
5 

54 
79 

Benjamin  Thompson 
Henry  Mulford, 

MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


347 


MINISTERS  AXD  MESSENGERS- 


Dividing  Creek, 

New  Mills, 

Kolonoway,t 

Coram, 

Upper  Freehold, 

Pittsgrove, 

Manahawkin,f 

Vincent, 

Tuckahoe, 
Loudon  Tract, 

Hilltown, 

Lower  Smithfield,! 
Jacob's  Town, 
Pittstown,* 

Marcus  Hook, 

Koxbury, 

Penn's  Manor,t 
Sideling  Hill, 

"West  Creek, 

Shemoken, 
Am  well. 


(  Alexander  M'Gowan, 
I  Levi  Wilson, 

Joseph  Powell,* 


Andrew  Harfexding, 


iJosiah  Philips, 
Enos  Miles, 
Thomas  Lloyd, 


Thomas  Fleeson, 

C  James  M'Laughlin, 
!  Philip  Miller, 
1  Isaac  Morris, 
[Thomas  Matthias, 

David  Jayne,* 

( BuRGiss  Allison, 
I  William  Staughtox, 


JoJin  EUis, 
George  Mustin, 
George  AVhite, 

John  Levering, 
Anthony  Levering, 
Cornelius  Holgate,* 


f  Thomas  Runtan, 
I  John  Ockerman, 

(Peter  Groom, 
Lemuel  Edwards, 
James  Edwards, 

John  Patten, 


William  Merrell, 


2    0 


0    0 
0    0 


224    2619    2    S'Sl  2529 


0    3 
0    0 


1    2 
0    0 


Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers 
in  italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked  thus  f 
received  no  intelligence.      A  dash  denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  7tH,  8tH,  AND  9tH, 
1800. 


October  7th. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  m..  Brother  Samuel  Jones, 
agreeably  to  appointment  last  year,  preached  the  introductory  ser- 
mon, from  Acts  xx.  23,  "  I  kept  nothing  back  that  was  profitable 
unto  you." 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother 
Burgiss  Allison,  when  Brother  Samuel  Jones  was  chosen  moderator, 
and  Brother  Peter  Wilson,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  twenty-four  churches  were  read.  Prayer  by 
Brother  Wilson. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  John  Stanford,  from  Acts  vi.  4, 
"But  we  will  give  ourselves  continually  unto  prayer." 

October  8th,  nine  o'clock,  a.  m. — Met  according  to  adjournment. 
Brother  David  Jones  prayed. 

4.  Brethren  Jonathan  Jerman,  Thomas  Jones,  and  Joseph  Flood, 
being  present,  were  invited  to  take  a  seat  with  us. 

5.  Received  a  letter  and  minutes  from  the  Warwick  Association, 
by  their  messengers  John  Stanford  and  Thomas  Montanye;  letter 
and  minutes  from  the  Delaware  Association,  by  their  messenger  John 
Boggs,  jr. ;  letters  and  minutes  from  the  New  York  and  Charleston 
Associations.  Also,  minutes  from  the  Shaftsbury,  Middle  District, 
Neuse,  Dover,  Flat  River,  Goshen,  Roanoke  District,  Kehuke,  and 
Culpepper  Associations. 

6.  JBrethren  Ewing,  Staughton,  and  Stanford,  are  appointed  as  a 
committee  to  examine  the  printed  letters  from  the  different  Associa- 
tions, and  report  thereon. 

7.  Read  the  circular  letter  to  the  churches,  and  appointed  Brethren 
David  Jones,  Allison,  and  M'Laughlin,  together  with  the  author, 
to  examine  the  same  and  report  thereon. 

8.  Appointed  the  following  brethren  to  write  to  the  different  As- 
sociations : — David  Jones,  to  the  Warwick ;  Horatio  G.  Jones,  to  the 
Delaware;  White,  to  New  York;  and  Staughton,  to  Charleston. 

(348) 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  349 

9.  The  following  brethren  are  appointed  messengers  to  the  Asso- 
ciations : — M'Laughlin,  to  Warwick ;  Yaughan  and  Horatio  G.  Jones, 
to  Delaware ;  and  White  and  Wilson,  to  New  York. 

10.  No  communications  having  been  lately  received  from  the  fol- 
lowing churches,  the  brethren  whose  names  are  annexed  to  them,  are 
appointed  and  do  agree  to  write  unto,  or  visit  them. 

Samuel  Jones,  to  \asit  Knowlton ;  Ustick,  to  write  to  Coram. 

M'Laughlin  and  White,  to  visit  Lower  Smithfield,  on  the  third 
Lord's  day  in  November,  and  Pittstown  the  Monday  evening  follow- 
ing, enquire  of  them  relative  to  their  faith  and  practice,  and  report 
thereon  to  the  next  Association. 

David  Jones,  to  write  to  Konoloway,  relative  to  a  resolution  of  the 
Association  to  drop  oflF  such  churches'  names  out  of  oui'  minutes,  who 
neglect  to  write  for  three  years  in  succession. 

Brother  M'Laughlin  prayed. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  M. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother 
Hunt  prayed. 

11.  Conscious  that  the  interposing  Providence  of  God  hath  pre- 
served the  city  of  Philadelphia,  during  the  present  season,  from  the 
malignant  fever,  and  caused  the  earth  to  bring  forth  her  fruits  more 
abundantly  than  for  some  years  past,  the  Association  set  apart, 
and  recommend,  Thursday  the  13th  of  November  next,  to  be 
observed  as  a  day  of  thanksgiving  by  all  the  churches  in  our 
connection. 

12.  The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  printed  letters  from 
the  diflferent  Associations,  reported  thereon. 

Brother  Rogers  prayed. 

Adjourned  till  half  after  six  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  Montanye,  from  Col.  i.  18,  "  And 
he  is  the  head  of  the  body," 

October  9th,  half  after  six  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  pursuant  to 
adjournment.     Brother  Ewing  prayed. 

13.  The  Association  having  received  approving  resolutions  from 
three  of  their  sister  Associations,  respecting  the  general  conference, 
as  recommended  by  the  21st  article  of  our  last  year's  minutes,  bef' 
leave  to  call  the  attention  of  the  other  Associations  to  this  important 
subject,  and  solicit  from  them,  severally,  their  views  as  to  the  time 
when,  and  place  where,  the  first  general  conference  ought  to 
assemble. 

This  Association  also  recommend,  that  the  different  messengers 
from  those  Associations  who  may  meet  with  us  by  divine  permission, 
next  year,  be  authorised  to  confer  with  a  committee  to  be  appointed 
by  oui'  body,  on  this  subject,  in  digesting  a  plan  relative  to  the  ge- 
neral conference,  and  to  do  whatever  may  have  a  tendency  to  accele- 
rate this  beneficial  design. 

Brethren  William  Rogers,  Thomas  L^stick,  Burgiss  Allison, 
William  Staughton,  and  Peter  Wilson,  are  appointed  a  committee  by 
this  Association  to  receive  and  answer  all  communications  from  the 


350  MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

different  Associations  in  the  United  States  appertaining  to  the  busi- 
ness, in  order  that  we  may  bring  the  whole  to  a  conclusion. 

14.  The  letters  to  the  different  Associations  were  read  and  ap- 
proved. The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  circular  letter  to 
the  churches,  report  that  they  approve  of  the  same. 

Brother  Hedger  prayed. 

Adjourned  till  half  after  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

15.  The  Association  recommend  to  the  churches,  that  collections 
be  immediately  made  and  forwarded  to  Brother  Ustick,  for  the  instruc- 
tion and  assistance  of  Thomas  Jones,  a  young  man  lately  from 
Wales  of  promising  gifts ;  and  that  Brother  Ustick  pay  forty  dollars 
to  Thomas  Jones,  if  as  much  be  received ;  if  more,  to  retain  the  same 
to  be  at  the  future  disposal  of  the  Association. 

16.  A  query  having  been  received  from  the  church  at  Philadelphia 
on  the  subject : — 

Resolved,  That  it  be  particularly  urged  on  our  churches,  that,  as 
stewards  of  God,  and  influenced  by  a  strong  desire  to  spread  the 
cause  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  they  endeavor  to  raise,  as  early  as 
possible,  and  to  maintain  a  fund  for  the  assistance  of  such  ministers 
as  may  be  called  to  supply  destitute  churches,  or  otherwise  publish 
the  gospel  in  their  connection:  and  as  there  are  flattering  prospects 
at  the  church  of  Manahawkin,  which  has  been  recently  visited  with 
much  success,  they  earnestly  entreat  that  some  collections  may  be 
immediately  forwarded  to  brother  Rogers,  for  the  desirable  purpose 
of  affording  them  ministerial  aid. 

17.  The  four  following  days,  viz.,  the  first  Tuesday  in  January, 
April,  July,  and  October,  are  recommended  as  days  of  humiliation 
and  prayer. 

18.  Whereas,  the  church  of  Philadelphia  have  presented  a  query, 
on  the  propriety  of  forming  a  plan  for  establishing  a  missionary  so- 
ciety :  This  Association,  taking  the  matter  into  consideration,  think 
it  would  be  most  advisable  to  invite  the  general  committee  of  Virginia 
and  different  Associations  on  the  continent,  to  unite  with  us  in  lay- 
ing a  plan  for  forming  a  missionary  society,  and  establishing  a  fund 
for  its  support,  and  for  employing  missionaries  among  the  natives  of 
our  continent. 

19.  The  Association  conceive,  that  the  regular  business  of  the  As- 
sociation is  to  take  into  consideration  those  matters  which  are  intro- 
duced by  the  churches ;  yet,  that  the  Association  consider  themselves 
at  liberty  to  take  up  any  matter  of  consequence  introduced  by  any 
individual  member. 

20.  It  is  recommended  to  our  churches,  that  a  sermon  be  annu- 
ally preached  among  them,  and  after  it  a  collection  be  made,  the 
amount  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Association  at  their  subsequent  meet- 
ing, in  order  to  augment  the  fund  for  the  education  of  such  pious 
young  men  as  appear  promising  for  usefulness  in  the  ministry  of  the 
gospel. 

21.  The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  map  of  the  situation 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  351 

of  the  churches  in  this  Association,  and  to  inform  themselves  of  the 
probable  expense  attending  its  engraving,  presented  a  map;  and 
report,  that  the  expense  will  be  about  one  hundred  dollars.  It  is, 
therefore,  recommended  that  each  church  send,  by  its  messengers,  at 
the  next  meeting,  four  dollars,  to  complete  the  designs. 

22.  The  Association,  understanding  that  objections  lie  against  the 
character  of  Andrew  Harpending,  desire  the  Shaftsbury  Association 
to  inquire  into  the  grounds  of  those  reports. 

23.  Brother  Ewing  to  write  the  circular  letter  for  next  year. 

24.  Brother  William  Rogers  is  appointed  to  preach  the  Associa- 
tion sermon  next  year ;  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  John  Boggs. 

25.  Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
minutes. 

26.  The  Association  is  appointed  to  meet  on  the  first  Tuesday  in 
October,  1801,  at  two  o'clock,  p.  m.,  at  Philadelphia;  and  in  case  of 
the  return  of  the  fever  there,  to  be  held  at  Hopewell. 

27.  The  moderator  concluded  by  prayer. 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  REV.  WILLIAM  STAUGnXOX. 

The  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  Philadelphia  Association,  to 
the  churches  they  represent,  send  Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  Brethren, — Having  once  more  been  permitted  to  meet  in 
Association,  to  consult  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  not 
as  having  dominion  over  your  faith,  but  as  helpers  of  your  joy,  we 
once  more  aflfectionately  address  you. 

It  affords  us  the  highest  pleasure  to  find  from  your  letters,  that 
peace,  like  a  river,  flows  among  you ;  that  additions  have  been  made 
to  many  of  our  churches ;  and  that  your  adherence  to  the  faith  of 
the  gospel  remains  unshaken.  We  trust  you  will  continue  to  abound 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  assured  that  in  your  holy  profession,  you 
have  followed  no  cunningly  devised  fable,  and  that  in  prospect  of  the 
invisible  world  you  know  whom  you-  have  believed.  To  assist  you  in 
repelling  every  temptation  to  abandon  your  profession,  and  in  sur- 
mounting the  obstacles  which  may  lie  in  your  path  to  glory  and 
virtue,  in  an  age  when  thousands  are  treating  the  doctrines  we  main- 
tain as  unintelligible,  and  the  duties  we  practice  as  irrational,  permit 
us  to  bring  to  your  view,  some  of  the  proofs  of  the  divine  origin  of 
that  gospel,  which  has  been  preached  unto  you,  which  also  ye  have 
received  and  wherein  ye  stand. 

The  evidences  which  address  the  understandings  of  all  men,  are  the 
performance  of  miracles  and  the  accomplishment  of  prophecy;  but 
there  is  an  evidence  too  little  regarded,  which  particularly  addresses 
itself  to  the  consciences  of  believers, — equally  convincing  with  any 
of  the  rest,  and  perhaps,  in  point  of  perspicuity  and  usefulness,  su- 
perior to  them  all.  It  consists  in  that  consciousness,  which  every 
Christian  in  his  measure  possesses,  that  he  is  born  of  incorruptible 
seed,  which  is  well  expressed  by  the  beloved  disciple,  where  he  says, 
"  He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  of  God  hath  the  witness  in  himself." 


352  MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

We  know  not  any  occasion  on  which  this  evidence  can  be  more 
seasonably  illustrated  and  enforced,  than  when  writing  to  such  as  hare 
tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious. 

We  wish  not,  brethren,  to  direct  your  thoughts  to  any  fancied  in- 
ternal light,  any  capricious  impulses,  which  may  be  supposed  to 
supersede  the  necessity  of  scriptural  instruction:  we  refer  to  those 
operations  of  sovereign  grace,  which  include  the  regeneration  and 
sanctifying  of  the  heart,  strong  consolation  in  trouble,  and  lively 
hopes  in  death. 

As  He  who  formed  the  mind  is  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith, 
we  are  not  surprised  that  there  is  a  visible  harmony  between  the  na- 
tural faculties  and  relative  circumstances  of  the  one,  and  the  divine 
excellencies  of  the  other.  An  understanding  deeply  penetrating  is 
the  privilege  of  few,  and  still  fewer  are  blest  with  the  external 
means  which  swell  its  capacity  and  assist  its  researches.  "  Ye  see  your 
calling,  brethren,  how  that  not  many  wise  men  after  the  flesh,  not 
many  mighty,  not  many  noble,  are  called."  If  the  proofs  of  the 
gospel  were  to  be  derived  only  from  the  investigation  of  ancient 
histories,  the  collating  of  original  manuscripts,  the  acquisition  of 
several  languages,  or  the  pursuit  of  deep  metaphysical  reasonings, 
by  far  the  greater  part  of  mankind  must  remain  invincibly  ignorant 
of  its  heavenly  nature.  But  God,  of  his  infinite  wisdom  and  good- 
ness, has  made  provision  for  the  poor:  He  has  let  fall  into  the  bo- 
som of  the  Christian,  who  has  both  to  pray  and  to  toil  for  the  daily 
bread  of  himself  and  family,  a  key  which  can  open  every  door  of 
the  doubting  castle.  The  evidence  we  are  contemplating  is  so  plain, 
that  the  wayfaring  man,  though  a  fool,  need  not  err;  so  rational, 
that  the  attempts  of  the  enemy  to  gainsay  or  resist  are  impertinent 
and  abortive ;  and  so  universal,  that  babes,  young  men,  and  fathers 
in  Christ,  may  alike  enjoy  its  power. 

We  possess,  naturally,  that  intimacy  with  ourselves  which  renders 
the  perception  of  the  exercise  of  our  senses,  afi'ections,  and  under- 
standings, obvious  to  us  all.  Should  a  philosopher  tell  you  that  the 
morning  sun  can  shed  no  lustre  on  the  hills — that  there  is  no  noise 
in  the  thunders  of  summer — that  there  are  no  such  passions  as  joy 
and  grief — that  a  human  being  is  not  able  to  reason,  or  if  he  be, 
that  he  cannot  distinguish  the  operations  of  his  mind — you  would  re- 
ject his  assertions,  convinced  that  if  you  know  not  these  things,  you 
know  nothing;  convinced  that  these  are  to  be  classed  among  those 
self-evident  facts  which  do  not  properly  admit  of  proof,  because  no- 
thing in  their  support  can  be  adduced  plainer  than  themselves.  In 
like  manner,  should  an  infidel  assert,  that  there  is  no  glory  in 
the  person  of  Jesus,  no  terrors  in  the  law  of  God  to  the  trans- 
gressor, no  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  no  brokenness  of  heart  for  sin, 
that  there  exists  no  such  power  of  discernment  as  that  which 
Paul  ascribes  to  him  that  is  spiritual;  the  believer  having  no  in- 
ternal sense  of  moral  truth,  perceives  clearly  that  such  declarations 
are  false. 

Permit  us,  brethren,  to  illustrate  the  nature  of  this  evidence  more 


.  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  353 

fullj.  Does  the  infidel  declare  that  the  Bible  is  an  imposition  on  the 
credulity  of  mankind?  Your  experience  can  answer:  "Unless  the 
law  of  God  had  been  our  delight,  we  had  perished  in  our  afilictions." 
Have  you  heard  him  assert  that  Christ  was  an  impostor  ?  You  know 
he  is  mistaken ;  for  Christ  is  formed  in  you  the  hope  of  glory.  More 
blind  than  the  Jewish  ruler,  does  he  ridicule  the  doctrine  of  the  rege- 
neration of  the  heart?  You  know  what  it  means,  and  from  its  influ- 
ence argue  its  origin.  Once  you  loved  the  world ;  now  you  place  it 
beneath  your  feet.  Once  you  saw  no  loveliness  in  religion ;  now  her 
ways  are  pleasantness.  Pious  persons  you  once  hated ;  now  they  are 
your  beloved  associates,  and  for  the  very  reason  which  formerly  com- 
manded your  aversion,  because  they  bear  the  image  of  the  heavenly. 
Eifects  like  these  are  irresistible  proofs  that  you  have  passed  from 
death  unto  life.  It  is  in  vain  that  an  infidel  contend,  that  it  is  ab- 
surd to  suppose  that  God  would  pardon  sin  by  so  strange  a  means  as 
the  death  of  his  Son ;  the  Christian  has  felt  the  efiicacy  of  the  blood 
of  Christ  on  his  conscience.  It  is  of  no  avail,  his  deriding  the  idea 
of  an  infernal  agent ;  you  know  you  have  such  an  enemy,  and  are 
not  ignorant  of  his  devices.  Let  the  foes  of  piety,  if  they  please, 
term  our  religion  wild  and  visionary ;  we  have  felt  its  soothing  power, 
when  our  bodies  have  been  tortured  with  pain,  when  our  friends  have 
been  removed  from  our  embraces,  when  the  waters  of  complicated 
afiliction  have  overwhelmed  us. 

This  inward  conviction  assisted  the  primitive  Christians  to  hold 
fast  the  faithful  word.  While  the  unbelieving  Jews  and  Greeks 
were  reriuiring  a  sign  and  seeking  after  wisdom,  the  disciples  beheld, 
in  a  crucified  Saviour,  the  power  and  the  wisdom  of  God.  No  oppo- 
sition could  induce  them  to  be  ashamed  of  a  system,  which  is  the 
power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth. 

In  the  days  of  our  Lord  when  Philip  could  not  immediately  an- 
swer Nathaniel's  objection  to  the  Messiahship  of  Jesus,  satisfied  that 
he  had  found  him  of  whom  Moses  in  the  law  and  the  prophets  did 
write,  he  requested  Nathaniel  to  come  and  see.  We  may  give  the 
same  invitation,  both  to  the  friends  and  enemies  of  Christianity. 
Come  and  see,  how  swearers  become  praying  persons — how  the  un- 
clean become  chaste — how  Sabbath  breakers  become  devout — how 
he  that  stole,  steals  no  more,  but  rather  labors,  working  with  his 
hands  the  thing  which  is  good.  Come  and  see  how  the  churlish  be- 
come liberal  and  the  inebriated  sober;  see  right  hands  cut  off,  and 
right  eyes  plucked  out,  rather  than  the  whole  body  should  be  cast 
into  hell.  Come  and  "see  how  a  Christian  can  die,"  and  whether 
you  behold  him  surrounded  with  weeping  friends  on  his  couch  in  the 
chamber,  or  with  exulting  enemies  at  the  stake  amid  the  flames, 
you  may  hear  him  singing  with  surprise  and  joy,  "  0  death  where  is 
thy  sting?  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly!" 

We  are  sensible,  brethren,  that  infidels  may  reject  this  evidence 
as  unfounded ;  but,  while  we  ask  them  to  assign  some  other  adequate 
cause,  if  they  can,  for  the  important  changes  we  have  named,  we  beg 
of  you  to  remember,  that  "the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things 

45 


354  MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

of  the  Spirit  of  God :  for  they  are  foolishness  unto  him :  neither  can 
he  know  them,  because  they  are  spiritually  discerned." 

This  change  of  heart  and  conduct,  this  inward  witness,  you  need 
not  be  told  is  not  of  your  own  producing.  God,  who  is  rich  in 
mercy,  hath  quickened  us  together  with  Christ.  Neither  moral 
suasion  nor  gentile  philosophy,  could  have  accomplished  it.  It  could 
have  been  effected  neither  by  the  providences  of  God,  nor  by  the 
ministry  of  the  Gospel  itself,  separate  from  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Indeed,  the  opposition  made  to  it  by  our  depravity,  the 
world  and  the  tempter,  prove  it  a  work  essentially  different  from 
their  nature  and  influence. 

Paul,  when  standing  on  the  stairs  in  Jerusalem,  when  speaking 
for  himself  before  Agrippa,  and  when  writing  to  the  Galatian 
churches,  demonstrates  the  truth  of  the  Gospel,  and  his  commission 
to  proclaim  it,  from  the  history  of  his  conversion.  We  wish  you, 
brethren,  ever  to  exercise  that  wisdom  which  dwells  with  prudence  ; 
but,  we  would  recommend  to  you  on  proper  occasions,  even  in  the 
presence  of  infidels,  to  relate  the  story  of  your  conversion  to  God. 
Some,  like  the  Jews,  may  deride  you ;  many,  like  Agrippa,  may 
be  almost  persuaded  to  become  Christians  ;  while  others,  by  the 
blessing  of  God,  may,  like  the  Galatians,  be  made  not  almost,  but 
altogether  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ. 

It  is  frequently  observed  respecting  prophecy,  that  it  is  a  growing 
evidence  ;  the  same  is  true  as  to  the  witness  within.  The  more  you 
grow  in  grace  and  the  knowledge  of  Christ,  the  stronger  will  be 
your  faith;  purity  and  stability  are  the  companions  of  each  other. 

Suffer  us  then,  dear  brethren,  to  exhort  you  to  every  good  Avord 
and  work.  Enable  your  ministers,  while  they  behold  your  faith, 
your  patience  and  charity,  to  say,  "  Ye  are  our  epistles  written  in 
our  hearts,  known  and  read  of  all  men."  Dwell  much  in  your  medi- 
tations on  the  redemption  of  the  Son  of  God,  Christ ;  increasing 
in  love  to  him  who  first  loved  you  and  to  your  brethren  in  the  Lord, 
Let  grace  and  truth  govern  all  your  actions.  Pray  for  and  pursue 
the  prosperity  and  peace  of  Jerusalem.  Mortify  the  deeds  of  the 
body.  JNIind  not  the  world  nor  the  things  of  the  world.  Let  your 
conversation  be  in  heaven.  In  short,  labor  to  attain  to  such  a  pro- 
gress in  knowledge  and  purity,  as  shall  compel  a  wicked  world  to 
exclaim  with  the  damsel  of  Philippi,  "  These  men  are  the  servants 
of  the  most  high  God." 

Though  the  evidence  we  have  been  explaining  brightens  with  our 
advance  in  the  divine  life,  yet  we  hope  none  of  you  will  write  bitter 
things  against  yourselves,  because  the  knowledge  or  joys  of  your 
brethren  may  be  greater  than  yours.  While  we  expect  you  to  give 
all  diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  election  sure,  we  wish  you  to 
remember,  that  the  evidence  lies  in  the  fact  itself.  Fire  is  as  truly 
in  the  smoking  flax  as  in  the  great  volcano ;  the  small  dust  of  the 
balance  is  as  really  a  part  of  the  creation  as  the  mountain  of 
Libanus. 

A  careful  investigation  of  the  work  of  grace  on  the  heart,  will 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  35f 

enable  each  of  you  to  say  before  Jehovah,  with  a  great  divine^  of 
the  last  century,  "  I  see  no  doctrme  so  pure  and  heavenly,  as  bear- 
ing the  image  and  superscription  of  God ;  nor  any  so  fully  confirmed 
and  delivered  by  the  attestation  of  thy  own  omnipotency ;  nor  any 
which  so  purely  pleads  thy  cause ;  calls  the  soul  from  self  and 
vanity ;  condemns  its  sin ;  purifies  it,  and  leads  it  directly  unto 
thee.  Thou  hast  mercifully  given  me  the  witness  in  myself !  not  an 
unreasonable  persuasion  in  my  mind,  but  that  renewed  nature,  those 
holy  and  heavenly  desires  and  delights,  which  sure  can  come  from 
none  but  thee.  And  0  !  how  much  more  have  I  perceived  it  in 
many  of  thy  servants  than  in  myself.  Thou  hast  cast  my  lot  among 
the  souls  that  Christ  hath  healed  ;  I  have  daily  conversed  with  such 
whom  he  hath  raised  from  the  dead.  I  have  seen  the  power  of  thy 
Gospel  upon  sinners.  All  the  love  that  ever  I  perceived  kindled 
towards  thee,  and  all  the  true  obedience  I  ever  saw  performed  to 
thee,  hath  been  efiected  by  the  word  of  Jesus  Christ.  And  if  con- 
fidence in  Christ  be  yet  deceit,  must  I  not  say  that  thou  hast 
deceived  me,  who  I  know  canst  neither  be  deceived,  or  by  any 
falsehood  or  seduction  deceive?" 

You  will  perceive  with  the  pious  Watts,  that  this  is  a  powerful 
witness,  and  ever  ready  to  baffle  the  most  learned  sophisms  and  the 
boldest  temptations :  it  lies  so  near,  that  it  is  a  present  shield 
against  every  arrow  from  the  camp  of  infidelity.  It  is  an  argument 
drawn  from  sense  and  vital  experience,  and  effectually  answers  all 
the  subtle  cavils  of  false  reasonings.  The  quibbles  of  logic  against 
the  experience  of  the  Christian,  are  but  as  darts  of  stubble  against 
the  scales  of  a  leviathan. 

That  you  may  enjoy  this  earnest  of  the  Spirit,  this  unction  from 
the  Holy  one,  more  and  more,  is  the  hearty  prayer  of,  beloved 
brethren,  your  servants,  for  Christ's  sake. 

Signed  in  behalf  of  the  whole, 

Samuel  Jones,  Moderator. 
Peter  Wilson,  Clerk. 

*Richard  Baxter. 


356 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS  AT  THE   ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


-2 

II 

T3 

i 

-o 

a 

CHURCHES. 

ministers  and  MESSENGERS. 

Ci. 

IS 

1 

i 

1 

i 

1 

K^ 

A 

» 

1 

1 

Lower  Dublin, 

'  Samuel  Jones, 
Joseph  Wright, 
^  Jesse  Dungan, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

74 

Middletown, 

Benjamin  Bennet, 

8 

3 

1 

0 

0 

2 

140 

( 

Cohansie,       •              < 

( 

'  Henry  Smallet, 

'  Jeremiah  Brooks, 

Isaac  Wheaton, 

7 

0 

0 

0 

0 

5 

101 

Great  Valley,              ■\ 

'David  Jones, 
John  Boggs, 
Horatio  G.  Jones, 
Daniel  Cornog, 
Isaac  Abraham, 
David  George, 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

65 

Cape  May,t 

John  Stancliff,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Hopewell, 

'  James  Etving, 
William  Salyer, 
^  Moses  Quick, 

30 

1 

7 

0 

0 

3 

200 

Brandywine, 

'Joshua  Vaughan, 
William   Simpson, 
John  Garrett,  jr., 
William  Griffith, 

1 

0 

0 

2 

1 

1 

84 

Montgomery, 

Joshua  Jones, 
Charles  Humphrey, 
Joseph  Lunn, 
Silas  Hough, 

30 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

57 

Kingwood, 

Garner  Hunt, 
Jonathan  Robinson, 
John  Heath, 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

73 

Haight's  Town, 

'  Peter  Wilson, 
Thomas  Dye, 
John  Morford, 

19 

1 

6 

0 

0 

4 

332 

Philadelphia, 
Southampton, 

^Thomas  Ustick, 
William  Rogers, 
Isaac  Carlisle, 
George  lugolls, 
John  M'Leod, 
Joseph  Keen, 
Samuel  Oakford, 
John  Peckworth, 
Hugh  Gorley, 

^Benjamin  Thaw, 

15 
0 

12 
0 

5 
0 

1 

2 

0 
0 

2 

1 

145 

84 

Jeremiah  Dungan, 
Elias  Yerkes, 
^  Peter  Sowerman, 

Knowlton, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

17 

New  Britain, 

William  White, 

Abel  Matthew, 
Isaac  Oakford, 
John  Dungan, 

40 

3 

1 

0 

0 

1 

96 

MINUTES   OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


357 


CHURCHES. 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


Salem, 
Dividing  Creek, 

New  Mills, 

Konoloway,t 

Coram,! 

Upper  Freehold,! 

Pittsgrove,! 

Manahawkin, 

Vincent, 

Tuckathoe,! 
London  Tract, 

Hilltown, 

Lower  Smithfield,f 

Jacob's  Town, 

Pitts  town,! 
Marcus  Hook, 

Roxbury, 

Penn's  Manor,! 

West  Creek,! 
Shemokin, 

Amwell, 


Benjamin  Thompson, 
Henry  Mulford, 

I  Jonadab  Shepherd, 

C  Alexander  M'Gowan, 
<  Benjamin  Hedger, 
(  Jesse  Cox, 

Joseph  Powell,* 


Josiah  Philips, 
^^neas  Miles, 


(  Samuel  Carlisle, 

f  James  M'Laughlin, 

(Isaac  Morris, 
Abel  Jones, 
Thomas  Matthias, 


iBuRGiss  Allison, 
William  Staughton, 
James  Cox,* 


( John  Ellis, 

\  George  Mustin, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 
John  Levering, 
Titus  Yerkes, 


Peter  Groom,* 

John  Patten, 

William  IVIerrell, 
John  Runyan, 


■a 

n 

0 

t 

I 

a 

8 

05 

ft 

1 

0 

0 

1 

0 

3 

75 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

3 

58 

15 

0 

2 

0 

0 

3 

119 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

40 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

30 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

79 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

12 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

5 

5 

1 

2 

0 

0 

0 

34 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

37 

39 

1 

6 

1 

0 

2 

151 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

61 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

134 

0 

.0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

17 

7 

1 

2 

0 

0 

0 

52 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

18 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

43 

0 

0 

0 

4 

0 

1 

96 

16 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

45 

240 

24 

34 

11 

1 

34!  2626 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licenced  preachers  in 
italics.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked 
thus  !  received  no  intelligence.     A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  6tH,  7tH,  AND  8tH, 

1801. 


October  6th. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Brother  William  Rogers, 
agreeably  to  appointment  last  year,  preached  the  introductory  sermon, 
from  Psalm  Ixxxiv.  4,  "  Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  house ; 
they  will  be  still  praising  thee." 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother 
Samuel  Jones,  when  Brother  James  Ewing  was  chosen  moderator, 
and  Brother  William  Staughton,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  twenty-seven  churches  were  read. 

4.  Application  being  made  by  a  newly  constituted  church  in  Bur- 
lington for  admission  into  this  Association,  they  were  cheerfully 
received. 

5.  Read  the  circular  letter  to  the  churches  and  appointed  Breth- 
ren Rogers,  Wilson,  M'Laughlin,  Allison,  and  Vanhorn  to  examine 
it,  and  report  respecting  it  to  the  Association. 

Brother  M'Laughlin  concluded  by  prayer. 
Adjourned  till  half  after  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
October   7th,   half    past   eight  o'clock,   A.   M. — Met  pursuant  to 
adjournment.     Brother  White  prayed. 

6.  Brethren  John  Morgan,  from  England,  John  Ellis,  and  Jethro 
Johnson,  being  present,  were  invited  to  seats  Avith  us. 

7.  Received,  from  the  Charleston  Association,  a  letter  and  minutes ; 
from  the  Warwick  Association,  a  letter  and  minutes ;  from  the  De- 
laware, a  letter  and  minutes,  by  their  messenger,  John  Boggs,  jun. ; 
from  New  York,  a  letter  and  minutes,  by  their  messenger,  William 
Vanhorn ;  from  the  Stonington,  Warren,  and  Shaftsbury  Associations, 
minutes,  with  the  printed  corresponding  letters. 

Received  also  a  letter  from  the  Miami  Association  soliciting  cor- 
respondence with  us  ;  on  which  we  cheerfully  entered. 

8.  Our  Brethren  Samuel  Jones  and  Garner  Hunt  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  inspect  the  minutes  and  corresponding  letters  from 
different  Associations,  and  report  them  to-morrow. 

9.  Appointed  Brother  Staughton  to  write  to  the  Charleston  Asso- 
ciation ;  Brother  Montanye,  to  the  Warwick ;  Brother  ElHs,  to  the 

f358) 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  35^ 

Delaware ;  Brother  Horatio  G.  Jones,  to  the  New  York ;  Brother 
White,  to  the  Miami ;  Brother  Smallej,  to  the  AVarren ;  Brother 
Boggs,  jun.,  to  the  Shaftsbury;  and  Brother  Hough,  to  the 
Stonington. 

10.  Appointed  messengers  to  the  following  Associations: — To  the 
Delaware,  Brethren  Joshua  Vaughan  and  Jethro  Johnson ;  to  the 
New  York,  Brethren  Burgiss  Allison,  Samuel  Jones,  and  Thomas 
Ustick ;  and  to  the  Warwick,  Brethren  William  White  and  Thomas 
B.  Montanye. 

11.  Monies  were  sent  to  Brother  Ustick,  agreeably  to  the  15th 
minute  of  our  last  Association,  from 

Lower  Dublin,  .  .  .  -  - 

Great  Valley,  -  -  -  -  ,  - 

Philadelphia,  -  -  - 

Vincent,  ._---- 
Height's  Town,  _  _  _  -  - 

$27  07 
Paid  as  directed,  to  Brother  T.  G.  Jones. 

12.  Monies  received  by  Brother  Rogers,  for  the  purpose  expressed 
in  the  16th  minute  of  our  last  Association,  from 

Philadelphia,  -            -            -            -  $29  00 

Lower  Dublin,  -             -            -            -            -  8  20 

Haight's  Town, 5  00 

Great  Valley,                     4  00 

$46  20 
Which  were  by  him  applied  as  directed. 

13.  Monies  were  received  towards  the  education  fund  from  the 
following  churches. 

Lower  Dublin, $14  02 

Hopewell, 15  52 

Burlington,                   .....  15  00 

Haight's  Town, 12  00 

Jacob's  Town,             -            -            -            •■            -  3  00 


$6  07 

4  00 

10  00 

4  00 

3  00 

$59  54 

14.  Several  churches  and  individuals  presented  sums  for  the  de- 
fraying of  the  expense  attendant  on  the  engraving  of  the  proposed 
map ;  but  as  the  amount  was  inadequate  for  the  purpose,  and  as  it 
was  understood  from  several  messengers  that  more  money  might  be 
obtained,  We  recommend  it  to  our  churches,  and  to  such  individuals 
as  may  be  disposed  to  send  their  subscriptions  next  year ;  but  it  is 
considered  that  the  plate  is  to  be  the  property  of  the  Association, 
and  the  impressions  to  be  disposed  of  at  the  lowest  rate  possible. 

15.  It  is  recommended  that  a  portion  of  the  first  Tuesday  in 
January,  April,  July,  and  October,  be  devoted  to  prayer  for  the  dif- 
fusion of  the  gospel. 

16.  The  remaining  members  of  the  Manahawkin  church  having 
some  doubts  on  their  minds,  because  of  the  fewness  of  their  numbers, 
whether  they  exist  as  a  church  or  no : — it  is  the  sense  of  this  Asso- 


360  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  '' 

ciation,  that  the  church  still  exists;  and  while  they  rejoice  in  that 
prosperity  which  has  lately  attended  the  preaching  of  the  gospel 
among  them,  they  exhort  them  to  proceed  to  the  reception  of  mem- 
bers and  the  election  of  ofEcers. 

Brother  Fleeson  concluded  with  prayer. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  p.  M. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  m. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother 
Boggs,  sen.,  prayed. 

17.  Query  from  the  church  at  Great  Valley :  Is  it  consistent  with 
the  independence  of  the  churches,  for  the  Association  to  admit  any 
charges  and  publish  them  to  the  world,  against  a  minister  or  mem- 
ber, Avithout  first  referring  to  the  church,  to  which  he  stands  related  ? 

Answer.  This  depends  on  circumstances  :  in  some  cases  it  is  con- 
sistent, in  others,  not  so. 

18.  Appointed  a  committee  to  attend  to  certain  business,  relative 
to  the  Dividing  Creek  church,  agreeably  to  that  church's  request. 
This  committee  to  consist  of  Samuel  Jones,  John  Boggs,  sen.,  Alex- 
ander M'Gowan,  Henry  Smalley,  and  Jonathan  Bowen. 

19.  Supplies  appointed  for  Manahawkin. 

20.  Supplies  for  Upper  Freehold. 
Brother  Peter  Groom  prayed. 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  Vanhorn,  from  Matt.  vii.  28,  29, 
"  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jesus  had  ended  these  sayings,  the  people 
were  astonished  at  his  doctrine ;  for  he  taught  them  as  one  having 
authority  and  not  as  the  scribes." 

October  8th. — Met  according  to  adjournment.  Brother  Samuel 
Jones  prayed, 

21.  The  committee  appointed  to  attend  to  certain  business  relative 
to  the  Dividing  Creek  church,  report : — 

That  it  referred  to  a  variety  of  circumstances  concerning  Brother 
Peter  Wilson,  Brother  John  Butter,  and  the  said  church :  That  Brother 
Butter,  since  his  becoming  a  Baptist,  has  been  blameless,  excepting 
as  to  his  entering  on  the  ministry,  with  regard  to  which  the  Dividing 
Creek  church,  through  wrong  influence,  have  been  too  precipitate  : — 
That  they  are  inclined  to  justify  Brother  Wilson  altogether.  That 
matters  past  ought  to  be  buried ;  and  that  Brother  Butter  be  viewed 
as  of  good  character. 

22.  The  13th  of  our  last  minutes,  which  respects  the  general  con- 
ference, to  be  continued. 

23.  The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  circular  letter  pro- 
duced it,  and  it  was  unanimously  approved. 

24.  Letters  were  read  by  our  Brother  Rogers,  received  by  him 
from  Brother  Carey,  at  Serampore,  in  the  East  Indies,  and  from  Dr. 
Ilawes  of  England,  respecting  promising  appearances  among  the 
IloUentots. 

This  Association  exult  in  every  prospect  of  the  success  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  wish  the  missionaries  God  speed. 
Brother  Ustick  prayed. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  361 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P,  m. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M. — Met  according  to  adjournment.  Brother 
Vaughan  prayed. 

25.  The  letters  to  the  different  Associations  were  read. 

26.  Brother  Montanje  was  appointed  to  write  to  the  church  at 
Hanahawkin. 

27.  The  18  th  minute  of  our  last  Association,  which  respects  the 
stahlishment  of  a  missionary  society,  continued. 

28.  The  following  brethren  are  requested,  when  convenient,  to  visit 
the  church  at  Lower  Smithfield : — William  White,  James  M'Laughlin, 
Isaac  Carlisle,  John  Ellis,  T.  B.  Montanye,  G.  Hunt,  and  such  other 
of  our  brethren  as  can  make  it  convenient.  Brother  Yaughan  will 
supply  the  first  Lord's  day  in  December. 

29.  Brother  Montanye  to  write  the  circular  letter  for  next  year. 

30.  The  16th  minute  of  our  last  Association,  relative  to  collections 
for  the  church  at  Manahawkin,  to  be  continued. 

31.  The  20th  minute  of  our  last,  which  respects  the  annual  ser- 
mon for  the  education  fund,  it  is  hoped  will  be  still  regarded. 

32.  Brother  Boggs  being  about  to  remove  from  the  precincts  of 
this  Association,  Brother  Smalley  is  appointed  to  preach  the  sermon 
next  year;  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  M'Laughlin. 

33.  This  Association,  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  numerous  and 
laborious  services  of  our  venerable  Brother  Samuel  Jones,  with  re- 
spect to  the  pecuniary  and  other  affairs  of  the  Association,  while  they 
solicit  his  future  aids,  beg  his  acceptance  of  their  most  affectionate 
and  grateful  acknowledgments. 

34.  Brother  Ustick  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
minutes. 

35.  The  Association  is  appointed  to  meet  on  the  first  Tuesday  in 
October,  1802,  at  two  o'clock,  P.  m.,  at  Philadelphia;  but  in  case 
of  the  fever  being  there,  to  be  held  at  Hopewell,  New  Jersey. 

The  moderator  concluded  with  prayer. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  M'Laughlin,  from  Heb.  ii.  3, 
"  How  shall  we  escape  if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation ;  which  at 
the  first  began  to  be  spoken  by  the  Lord,  and  was  confirmed  unto  us 
by  them  that  heard  him." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees,  October,  1800 — 

Resolved,  That  T.  Ustick  be  appointed  librarian  to  take  charge  of 
the  books  belonging  to  the  Association,  and  make  report  of  their 
condition. 

B.  Allison,  Secretary. 

Such  as  have  in  possession  any  of  the  books  belonging  to  the  As- 
sociation, are  requested  to  forward  them  to 

Thomas  Ustick,  Librarian. 


46 


362  MINUTES  or  the  Philadelphia  association. 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  KEY.  JAMES  EWING. 

The  Philadelphia  Baptist  Association  convened  in  Philadelphia, 
October  6th,  7th,  and  8th,  1801. 

To  the  several  churches  thereunto  belonging,  sendeth  Christian 
salutation. 

Beloved  brethren, — Under  the  smiles  of  an  indulgent  Providence, 
we  have  been  once  more  so  favored  as  to  meet  in  this  city,  unawed 
by  the  angel  of  death.  The  interview  has  been  comfortable,  and  our 
deliberations  have  been  in  peace. 

Custom  will  lead  you  to  expect  an  address  from  us  in  our  collective 
capacity.  We  comply  with  the  expectation  ;  "  not  as  having  domi- 
nion over  your  faith,  but  as  helpers  of  your  joy." 

We  have  entered  upon  a  new  century;  and  while  it  is  yet 
the  morning  of  it,  let  us  take  a  view  of  some  of  the  works  of  God 
in  the  last. 

Ninety-four  years  have  rolled  on  since  the  first  meeting  of  this 
Association,  the  first  in  America,  and  then  composed  of  only  five 
churches;  but  viewing  the  present  state  of  our  connexion  in  this 
country,  we  perceive  it  to  be  as  the  thousands  of  Israel,  embracing 
numerous  Associations,  composed  of,  at  least  twelve  hundred  churches, 
including  more  than  a  hundred  thousand  members. 

The  circumstances  of  our  brethren  in  this  country,  prior  to  the 
Revolution,  in  several  of  the  then  colonies,  were  much  the  same  as 
those  of  our  brethren  in  Europe,  at  that  time  and  since.  Civil  estab- 
lishments of  religion,  the  natural  foes  of  civil  and  religious  freedom 
and  of  the  progress  of  truth,  were  only  partial  here ;  yet  where 
they  had  a  being,  persecution  of  our  brethren  was  the  consequence, 
the  establishment  in  Britain  having  considerable  influence  in  those 
colonies  where  no  such  establishment  actually  existed,  owing  to 
the  power  of  the  British  king  in  this  country,  who  is  the  head  of 
the  established  church,  and  who,  as  such,  accordingly  bestowed 
his  favors. 

But  Jehovah  changed  the  times,  and  so  overruled  the  matter,  that 
the  then  colonies  not  only  became  sovereign  independent  States,  but 
have  taken  a  national  form  under  the  federal  constitution.  The  con- 
stitutions, and  generally  the  laws  of  the  individual  States,  and  that 
of  the  United  States,  declaring  and  guarantying  full  religious  free- 
dom, we  are  not  only  released  from  that  yoke  of  bondage  which  the 
witnesses  for  Christ  have  borne  almost  in  every  age  and  nation  since 
the  commencement  of  the  Christian  era;  but  we  see  the  effects  of 
this  freedom  in  the  increase  of  our  connexion,  which,  since  the  Revo- 
lution, is  comparable  to  an  accelerated  motion. 

The  display  of  the  sovereignty  of  God  in  this  progress  of  gospel 
truth  is  great,  teaching  us  that  Christ's  kingdom  needs  no  support 
from  union  with  the  governments  of  this  world ;  that  the  more  dis- 
tinctly the  line  is  drawn  between  them  the  better.  Indeed,  all  at- 
tempts to  unite  them  are  in  direct  contempt  of  Christ's  authority  as 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  8G3 

"Head  over  all  things  to  the  church;"  directly  destroy  her  glory, 
and  effectually  impede  the  general  progress  of  truth.  During  the 
space  of  nearly  fourteen  hundred  years,  have  men  and  devils  at- 
tempted the  church's  destruction  by  such  a  union.  The  existence 
of  civil  establishments  of  religion  in  Europe,  humanly  speaking, 
presents  an  insurmountable  barrier  to  the  spiritual  reign  of  Christ  in 
that  quarter ;  for  while  they  remain,  we  see  no  way  in  which  the  pure 
gospel  and  unadulterated  ordinances  of  Christ  can  have  general 
countenance. 

The  course  of  Divine  Providence  induces  the  idea,  that  Zion's  de- 
fence is  opening  another  field  for  the  displays  of  his  grace.  And, 
perhaps,  while  he  pours  out  the  vials  of  his  wrath  on  those  nations 
which  have  given  their  power  to  the  beast ;  for  the  destruction  of  the 
monster  produced  by  the  union  of  church  and  state,  in  order  that 
he  may  be  "  King  over  all  the  earth,"  he  will  show  his  gracious  power, 
and  "  make  the  place  of  his  feet  gloi'ious,"  where  this  part  of  anti- 
christian  tyranny  has  no  existence. 

Ever  mindful  of  his  promise,  God,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  last 
century,  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  those  nations  where  the  gospel 
was,  large  and  populous  parts  of  the  world,  which  in  former  times 
were  unknown ;  and,  also,  disposed  the  minds  of  his  people  in  Europe 
to  send  the  gospel  there,  in  a  way  as  unexpected. 

The  generality  of  the  denominations  of  professed  Christians  hav- 
ing originally  derived  their  various  forms  of  ecclesiastical  govern- 
ment, from  attempts  to  mould  the  church  after  the  model  of  the 
polity  of  the  nation  into  which  they  were  intended  individually  to  be 
incorporated,  and  the  civil  support  of  which  they  sought  and  needed ; 
having  departed  from  the  simplicity  of  the  divine  constitution,  which 
knows  no  other  aid  but  that  of  its  divine  head;  their  frame  admit- 
ting of  worldly  grandeur  and  prosperity,  as  well  as  support  and  de- 
fence ;  and  naturally  leading  them  to  court  a  civil  establishment, 
made  them  unfriendly  to  each  other  ;  but,  in  a  manner,  as  unexpected 
as  unexampled,  God  weakened  their  mutual  jealousies,  and  they 
have  united  in  sending  to,  and,  at  a  vast  expense,  supporting  mis- 
sions in  those  distant  regions ;  and  in  that  respect  appear  to  have 
dropt  their  particular  pursuits  of  temporal  power  and  aggran- 
dizement, which,  as  well  as  union,  was  necessary  to  their  success  in 
the  work. 

Many  endeavors  to  christianize  the  heathen  have  proved  abortive, 
owing  to  collateral  attempts  of  the  society  which  sent  the  missiona- 
ries to  gain  political  power  or  exaltation  thereby.  But  the  order  of 
our  churches  having  never  been  derived  from  the  wisdom  or  policy 
of  man ;  not  being  framed  according  to  the  model  of  any  body  poli- 
tic, we  cannot,  in  any  consistency  therewith,  have  such  views  in  send- 
ing or  supporting  the  gospel  where  it  is  not ;  and  so  humanly 
speaking,  are  more  likely  to  be  successful  in  it.  This  consideration, 
over  and  above  those  commonly  urged,  calls  upon  us  as  a  people,  to 
exert  ourselves  in  the  great  and  important  work. 


364  MUruTES  of  the  Philadelphia  association. 

Connected  with  this  view  of  the  subject,  the  success  of  the  breth- 
ren of  our  denomination,  in  England,  ought  to  arrest  our  attention. 
They  have  sent,  and,  with  such  pecuniary  aids  as  the  Lord  stirred  up 
others  to  afford  them,  have  supported  a  mission  in  the  idolatrous  and 
far  distant  country  of  Hindostan,  where  the  inhabitants,  by  their 
customs,  appear  to  be  more  strongly  fortijBed  against  the  introduc- 
tion of  Christianity  among  them  than  perhaps  in  any  other  heathen 
land.  Yet  not  only  many  of  the  people,  but  in  some  instances  their 
Brahmans,  lend  a  patient  ear  to  the  doctrines  of  the  cross.  The 
gospel  by  Matthew,  printed  in  the  language  of  that  country,  has 
reached  America ;  and  probably  the  whole  of  the  Bible  is  by  this 
time  distributing  among  the  blinded  Hindoos  in  their  native  tongue 
by  the  extraordinary  efforts  of  that  mission. 

The  success  of  the  missionary  sent  to  the  western  Indians  by  our 
sister  Association  of  New  York;  and  the  disposition  to  hear  the 
gospel  manifested  by  whole  nations  of  them,  when  met  in  council, 
satisfied  that  neither  he  nor  those  who  sent  him,  sought  any 
temporal  aggrandizement  by,  or  emolument  from  them,  claims  our 
particular  notice;  it  may  operate  as  a  stimulus  upon  us  to  be 
found  in  like  exertions,  hoping  the  Lord  is  about  to  come  in  his 
kingdom. 

In  comparing  our  happy  circumstances  with  those  of  our  brethren 
in  past  ages,  or  at  present  in  other  countries,  we  view  ourselves  as 
surrounded  with  calls  to  adore  the  Divine  Sovereignty  that  has 
brought  us  into  existence  now,  rather  than  four  hundred  years  ago, 
and  here  rather  than  in  Europe.  And  although  we  pretend  not  to 
know  with  certainty  when  "  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge 
of  the  Lord,"  yet  the  events  of  Divine  Providence  within  the  last 
twenty-five  or  thirty  years  are  incentives  to  adore  the  "  Head  over 
all  things  to  the  church,"  that  He,  ever  mindful  of  his  purpose,  is 
at  least  beginning,  to  bring  about  predicted  events  in  ways  declara- 
tive of  his  wisdom  and  care,  securing  the  gloi'y  to  himself  by  using 
unexpected  means. 

How  safe  is  his  church  in  his  hand !  How  immovable !  when 
unconnected  with  national  governments,  she  rests  alone  on  him  as 
her  firm  foundation. 

The  time  in  which  we  live,  the  late  providential  occurrences,  and 
the  general  appearance  of  things  call  loudly  upon  us  as  a  people 
for  particular  exertions  in  duties  arising  from  our  circumstances. 
While  in  times  of  persecution,  a  decided  testimony  for  the  Gospel 
and  Laws  of  Christ,  and  patience  in  suffering  are  required ; — so 
now,  besides  that  testimony,  to  cleanse  our  hands  from  seeking 
worldly  honor,  as  connected  with  the  affairs,  offices  or  prosperity  of 
the  church  of  Christ,  and  to  exert  ourselves  in  sending  the  gospel 
where  the  Lord  may  farther  open  a  door  for  it  among  the  heathen, 
may  be  mentioned  as  some  of  those  duties  that  providence  demands 
from  us. 

We  hope  better  things  of  you,  than  to  suppose  that  you  are  negli- 


MINUTES    OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  865 

gent  in  prayer  for  the  coming  of  Christ's  kingdom ;  yet  we  cannot 
but  conclude,  from  solid  grounds,  that  together  with  importunity  at 
the  throne  of  grace,  pecuniary  exertions  for  the  diffusion  of  tho 
gospel  are  particularly  necessary. 

We  also  hope,  that  not  only  the  Lord  will  incline  you  to  make 
such  exertions ;  but  that  you  will  look  up  to  him  as  the  disposer  of 
all  events,  that  he  may  both  raise  up  persons  endowed  with  mission- 
ary qualifications,  and  open  "a  great  door  and  effectual"  of  gospel 
usefulness  before  them. 

It  is  probable  that  difficulties  will  present  themselves  to  you  as 
individuals,  in  the  prospects  of  usefulness  in  this  way,  as  "  that  all 
you  can  do  will  be  ineffectual ;  but  be  not  discouraged.  Let  each 
one  act  conscientiously,  according  to  the  magnitude  of  the  object, 
and  the  ability  God  has  given,  leaving  it  in  his  hand,  and  we  shall 
have  a  solid  hope  that  a  blessing  will  follow ;  for  it  is  common  for 
the  Lord  to  blast  the  blooming  expectations  of  his  people,  and 
succeed  those  attempts  made  according  to  his  will  which  promise 
less.  Nor  need  we  expect  that  Satan  will  refrain  from  attempting, 
by  every  method  in  his  power,  to  impede  any  thing  that  may  be 
thought  of,  or  done  to  disturb  or  destroy  the  empire  he  has  so  long 
maintained  among  them.  But  to  be  the  humble  instruments  in  the 
I'Ord's  hand,  of  sending  that  gospel,  and  those  pure  ordinances 
which  European  civil  establishments  of  religion  almost  shut  out  or 
naturally  hinder  the  progress  of,  to  those  poor  heathen  whose  hearts 
the  Lord  has  opened  or  may  open, —  to  be  thus  the  means  of 
benefit  to  one  poor  soul,  will  unspeakably  overpay  all  the  exertions 
you  may  use,  or  expense  that  may  accrue. 

And  finally,  dear  brethren,  we  exhort  you  to  walk  circumspectly. 
A  time  of  such  outward  peace  and  prosperity  is  a  time  of  peculiar 
trial.  We  are  in  danger  of  sinking  into  remisness  in  secret  devo- 
tion, and  thus  becoming  exposed  to  every  temptation ;  of  becoming 
worldly  minded,  and,  by  eagerly  pursuing  the  accumulation  of 
wealth,  giving  the  lie  to  our  profession  of  love  to  Christ,  his  people 
and  laws ;  of  conforming  to  the  world  in  their  customs  and  insipid 
conversation,  and  thereby  encouraging  infidelity.  What  can  strengthen 
and  encourage  the  infidel  more  than  the  worldly  conduct  and  con- 
versation of  professors,  and  especially  of  those  who  exhibit  a  testi- 
mony for  purity  of  doctrine,  worship  and  discipline,  according  to  the 
will  of  Christ  ? 

But  we  have  professed  simply  to  follow  him  in  these  things,  and 
as,  on  the  one  hand,  we  ought  to  do  it  as  our  privilege,  our  happy 
employment ;  so  on  the  other,  the  world  will  busily  compare  our 
conduct  with  our  profession.  We  earnestly  beseech  you  to  be  before- 
hand with  them  in  the  comparison,  and  steadily  consider  whether 
your  common  conduct  be  according  to  the  divine  pattern  you  have 
professed  and  engaged  to  imitate.  And  seeing  we  are  compassed 
about  with  crowds  of  spectators,  some  of  them  professed  christians, 
some  professed  deists,  and  some  who  appear  to  care  for  none  of  those 


366  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

things,  "  let  us  lay  aside  every  weight,  and  the  sin  which  doth  so 
easily  beset  us,  and  let  us  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set 
before  us,  looking  unto  Jesus,"  as  our  pattern,  glorying  to  tread  in 
his  footsteps ;  and  as  our  support,  knowing  that  ayc  cannot  make  any 
progress  in  our  professed  subjection  to  him  or  for  his  glory,  without 
assistance  from  him ;  but  which  he  has  promised,  and  will  assuredly 
give  to  those  who  trust  in  him. 

"  Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead  our 
Lord  Jesus,  that  great  shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of 
the  everlasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work,  to 
do  his  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well  pleasing  in  his  sight, 
through  Jesus  Christ  :  to  whom  be  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen." 

By  the  Association, 

James  Ewing,  Moderator. 
William  STAuanxoN,  Clerk. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


3G7 


THE  MINISTERS   AND   MESSENGERS   AT  THE    ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF   THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 


LoTver  Dublin, 

Middletown,! 

Cohansie, 

Great  Valley, 

Cape  May, 
Hopewell, 

Brandywine, 

Montgomery, 

Kingwood, 
Haight's  Town, 

Philadelphia, 

Southampton, 
Knowlton,"!" 

New  Britain, 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


(Samuel  Jones, 
John  Holmes, 
Thomas  Holmes, 

Benjamin  Bennet,* 

C  Henry  Smalley, 
•<  Jonathan  Bowen, 
(  David  Gillman, 

'  Datid  Jones,* 
John  Boggs, 
Horatio  G.  Jones, 
Thomas  G.  Jones, 
Isaac  Eaton, 
Daniel  Cornog, 
Isaac  Abraham, 

John  Stancliff,* 

r  James  Ewing, 
J  John  Blackwell, 
1  Levi  Stout, 

[Benjamin  Stout, 

'  Joshua  Vaughan, 

John  Garret, 

Robert  Frame, 

John  Powell, 
^  William  Griffith, 

'Joshua  Jones,* 
Peter  Evans, 
Thomas  Davis, 
Daniel  Morgan, 
Silas  Hough, 

f  Garner  Hunt, 
I  Isaac  Blue, 

f  Peter  Wilson, 
I  Peter  Job, 

Thomas  Ustick, 
William  Rogers, 
Isaac  Carlisle, 
George  Ingolls, 
Jeseph  Keen, 
John  Peckworth, 
^  Samuel  Oakford, 

(Thomas  B.  Montante, 
William  Watts, 
Elias  Yerkes, 
Abel  Marple, 


'William  Waite, 
Benjamin  Matthew, 
Edward  Matthew, 
Isaac  James, 

^Erasmus  Thomas, 


33 


0      4    2 
0      0    0 


II    4    0 


0    0    1 


0    0 
0    0 


75 
140 

96 


0    0 


222 


64 

81 

329 


2    6    0    0    1      93 


150 


868 


MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA    ASSOCIATION. 


MIXISTERS  A>'D  MESSENGERS. 


Salem, 
Dividing  Creek, 

New  Mills, 

Konoloway, 
Coram,! 
Upper  Freehold, 
Pittsgrove,f 
Manahawkin, 

Vincent, 

Tuckahoe, 
London  Tract,f 

HilltowD, 

Lower  Smithfield,! 

Jacob's  Town, 

Pittstown,f 
Marcus  Hook, 

Ridge,  in  the  town- 
ship of  Roxbury, 

Penn's  Manor,! 

West  Creek, 

Shemokin,! 

Amwell, 
Burlington, 


<  Joseph  Lloyd, 

I  Erasmus  Hogbin, 

John  Butter, 
AVilliam  Mason, 
Amos  Bradford, 

C  Alexander  M'Gowan, 

<  Benjamin  Hedger, 
i  Jesse  Cox, 

Joseph  Powell,* 


I  ^neas  Miles, 
I  Elias  Smith, 


{James  M'Laughlin, 
Robert  Shannon, 
John  Mathias, 
Joseph  Mathias, 


{BuRGiss  Allison, 
James  Cox, 
Richard  Sexton, 
Joseph  Sexton, 


Richard  Riley, 

'  THOiiAs  Fleeson, 
John  Xevering, 
Jonathan  Yerkes, 


f  Peter  Groom, 
I  Joseph  Chester, 

John  Patten,*  ' 


Samuel  Hunt, 
William  Merrell, 

William  Staughton, 
Joseph  Barber, 
William  Collins, 


10 


0    0 


0    2    0 
0    0    0 


5      0 
0     0 


8    0 
O'  0 

3'  0 

0    0 
0    0 


0    3    0 
0    0    0 


0    0 


0    0 


143    39 '58    1  14  39  2756 


1      52 
0    134 


Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers 
in  ifalic.  Those  marked  thus  *  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked  thus  ! 
received  no  intelligence.      A  dash  denotes  no  settled  minister. 


^x. 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  BY  SPECIAL  APPOINTMENT,  AT  HOPEWELL,  NEW  JERSEY, 
OCTOBER  5tH,  6tH,  AND  7tH, 

1802. 


October  5th. — At  two  o'clock,  p.  M.,  Brother  Henry  Smallej, 
agreeably  to  appointment  last  year,  preached  the  introductory  sermon, 
from  Isa.  ix.  6,  "And  the  government  shall  be  upon  his  shoulder." 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother 
Ewing,  when  Dr.  Hezekiah  Smith,  who  was  present  as  messenger 
from  the  Warren  Association,  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother 
Bui'giss  Allison,  clerk. 

3.  Our  ministering  brethren  present,  viz.,  Benjamin  Coles,  of  Oys- 
ter Bay,  Long  Island,  W.  Collier,  of  New  York,  and  Peter  Smith, 
of  Miami,,  were  invited  to  seats  with  us. 

4.  Letters  from  twenty-six  churches  were  read. 
Prayer  by  the  moderator. 

Adjourned  till  half  past  eight    o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
October  Gth,  half  past  eight  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  according  to  ad- 
journment.    Prayer  by  Brother  Wilson. 

5.  After  finishing  reading  the  letters  from  the  churches  belonging 
to  the  Association,  a  letter  was  read  from  the  church  at  Mount  Holly, 
requesting  admission  into  our  body ;  which  was  cheerfully  granted. 

6.  Application  also  being  made  by  a  newly  constituted  church  at 
Dover,  in  York  county,  in  Pennsylvania,  for  admission  into  this  Asso- 
ciation, it  was  received. 

7.  Received  letters  from  the  following  Associations  :  viz.,  W^ar- 
wick,  by  their  messenger  John  Palmer,  with  their  minutes ;  Delaware, 
by  their  messenger  John  Boggs,  jun.  ;  New  Y'^ork,  by  their  messen- 
gers Reune  Runyan,  Charles  Lahat,  and  Lebbeus  Lathrop,  with  their 
minutes  ;  AVarren,  by  their  messenger  Dr.  Hezekiah  Smith.  Re- 
ceived also  a  copy  of  the  minutes  of  the  Miami  Association,  by 
Brother  Peter  Smith. 

8.  Appointed  Brethren  S.  Jones,  Staughton,  and  White,  a  com* 
mittee  to  inspect  the  minutes  and  letters  from  the  corresponding 
Associations,  and  report  to-morrow. 

9.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed  to  write  to  the  corres- 
ponding Associations :  viz..  Brother  Ustick,  to  Charleston ;  Brother 
Montanye,    to  Warwick;    Brother  White,  to    Delaware;    Brother 

47  (369) 


870 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


Staughton,  to  New  York ;  Brother  Wilson,  to  Stonington ;  Brother 
Smalley,  to  "Warren;  Brother  Boggs,  to  Shaftsbury;  and  Brother 
Ewing,  to  Miami. 

10.  Appointed  messengers  to  the  following  Associations : — To  War- 
wick, Brethren  Montanye  and  White ;  Delaware,  Brother  Vaughan ; 
New  York,  Brethren  Montanye,  D.  Jones,  Wilson,  and  White ;  War- 
ren, Brother  Ilezekiah  Smith;  Miami,  Brother  Peter  Smith. 

11.  After  reading  the  circular  letter,  Brethren  Samuel  Jones, 
David  Jones,  William  Staughton,  with  Brother  Montanye,  the  author, 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  revise  the  same,  and  make  report. 

12.  The  following  sums  were  contributed,  viz., 


FOR  THE  EDUCATION  FUND. 

From  Lower  Dublin,  $10  00 

Haight's  Town,  12  00 

Southampton,  8  00 

Salem,  15  00 

Jacob's  Town,  5  00 

Burlington,  15  11 


FOR  THE  CHURCH  AT  MANAHAWKIN. 

From  Ilaight's  Town,  $5  00 

Southampton,  4  00 

Salem,  4  00 


Total,  $65  11  Total,  $13  00 

13.  It  is  recommended  that  the  first  Tuesday  in  January,  April, 
July,  and  October,  be  observed  as  days  of  prayer,  for  the  effusion  of 
the  Divine  Spirit ;  and  it  is  earnestly  requested,  that  particular  at- 
tention be  paid  to  it. 

1-1.  Brother  White  is  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter  for  the 
ensuing  year. 

15.  A  general  conference  not  being  likely  to  be  accomplished,  a 
plan  was  laid  before  the  Association,  designed  to  answer  all  the  pur- 
poses, and  the  following  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  same, 
and  report,  viz..  Brethren  S.  Jones,  R.  Runyan,  W.  Rogers,  and  T. 
Montanye. — Brother  S.  Jones,  concluded  by  prayer. 

Adjourned  to  two  o'clock. 

Two  o'clock,  P.  M. — Met  according  to  adjournment.  Brother 
Rogers  prayed. 

16.  Supplies  granted  to  Manahawkin,  Upper  Freehold,  and  Dover, 
York  county,  Pennsylvania. 

17.  It  is  recommended  to  the  churches  belonging  to  this  Associa- 
tion, to  appoint  a  day,  to  have  a  discourse  delivered  in  each  of  them, 
upon  the  subject  of  a  mission  for  propagating  the  gospel  in  destitute 
places ;  to  make  a  collection  for  a  fund  to  defray  the  necessary  ex- 
penses of  the  missionaries,  and  to  forward  the  money  to  Brother 
Rogers,  between  this  and  the  first  of  April  ensuing. 

It  is  agreed  that  a  committee  be  now  appointed  to  form  a  plan  for  a 
missionary  society,  and  present  the  same  at  the  next  Association,  and 
that  Brethren  S.  Jones,  B.  Allison,  W.  Rogers,  T.  Ustick,  and  W. 
Staughton,  be  the  committee. 

18.  The  churches  are  requested  to  recollect,  that  an  annual  sermon 
is  recommended  to  be  preached,  for  the  purpose  of  collecting  money 
for  the  education  fund,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Association. 

19.  The  committee  to  examine  the  "  plan  for  a  committee  of  cor 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  371 

respondence,"  reported,  and  the  plan  was  adopted  as  amended;  and 
the  following  brethren  are  appointed  as  a  committee  to  carry  the 
same  into  execution :  viz.,  S.  Jones,  B.  Allison,  W.  Kogers,  T.  Us- 
tick,  W.  Staughton,  W.  White,  T.  Montanye,  J.  Peckworth,  Silas 
Hough,  M.  D.,  G.  Ingles,  T.  Holmes,  J.  M'Leod,  J.  Holmes,  and 
W.  M'Gee.     The  plan  is  as  follows : — 

PLAN  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  CORRESPONDENCE. 

I.  That  a  general  committee  be  appointed  by  the  Philadelphia 
Association,  for  the  purpose  of  corresponding  with  all  the  Baptist 
Associations,  churches,  and  ministers,  on  the  continent  of  North 
America. 

II.  That  this  committee  be  selected  out  of  those  ministers  and 
private  brethren  who  may  reside  in  the  city  and  vicinity  of  Phila- 
delphia. Their  number  may  consist  of  ten  or  fifteen,  including  a 
President,  Vice  President,  Treasurer,  and  two  Secretaries ;  two- 
thirds  of  whom  may  make  a  quorum  for  business. 

III.  That  this  committee  open  a  correspondence  with  the  several 
Associations,  requesting  an  accurate  account  of  its  origin,  constitu- 
tion, numbers,  increase,  decrease,  declensions,  revivals,  ministers, 
ordinations,  &c. 

IV.  That  this  committee  of  correspondence  meet  once  in  the  year, 
or  as  often  as  circumstances  may  require,  whether  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  or  in  towns  adjacent,  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the 
communications  which  may  have  been  made,  and  to  adjust  the  same 
as  they  may  deem  necessary. 

V.  That  the  committee  publish  once  in  the  year,  or  in  two  years, 
as  to  them  may  appear  necessary,  a  pamphlet,  containing  the  most 
interesting  and  important  intelligence,  and  that  such  periodical  pub- 
lication do  not  exceed  in  price  one-half  dollar. 

VI.  After  the  expence  for  printing,  &c.,  be  discharged,  the  over- 
plus, if  any,  to  be  appropriated  to  the  relief  of  ministers'  widows 
and  orphans ;  for  the  improvement  of  young  ministers,  or  other 
laudable  purposes,  as  to  the  committee  may  seem  good. 

20.  The  delegates  of  this  Association  do  engage,  on  the  part  of 
themselves  and  the  churches  they  represent,  to  pay  at,  or  before,  the 
next  Association,  the  sum  of  two  dollars  for  each  church,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  defraying  the  expenses  which  may  be  incurred  by  a  corres- 
pondence with  the  different  parts  of  the  Union,  agreeably  to  the  plan 
which  this  Association  has  adopted. 

Brother  Staughton  concluded  by  prayer. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Brother  Ilezekiah  Smith,  from  Heb.  xiii. 
20,  21,  "  Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead 
our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the  blood 
of  the  everlasting  covenant ;  make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work, 
to  do  his  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well-pleasing  in  his  sight, 
through  Jesus  Christ:  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.   Amen." 


372  MINUTES    OF   TUB    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

October  7th,  eight  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  according  to  adjournment. 

21.  Letters  to  corresponding  Associations  were  read  and  approved. 

22.  According  to  information  from  Kentucky,  the  following  are 
the  numbers  of  communicants  in  the  Baptist  churches  belonging  to 
the  respective  Associations  in  that  State. 

In  the  Elkhorn  Association,  -  -  5,310  communicants. 

"       Green  River     "  -        about        -  800  " 

"       Salem  "  -  -  2,023 

"       Bracken  "...  753 

"       Tates'  Creek   "  -  -  1,802 

"       S.  Kentucky   "...  1,384  " 

Total,  ....  12,072 

Allowing  six  Baptists  in  a  congregation,  to  one  communicant,  which 

is  a  very  moderate  allowance,  the  number  of  Baptists  in  Kentucky 

will  amount  to '72,426. 

It  is  supposed  that  throughout  the  whole  of  the  United  States,  the 

societies  of  Baptists  amount  to  700,000  persons  and  upwards. 

23.  The  brethren  appointed  to  inspect  the  minutes  and  letters 
made  their  report. 

24.  The  following  brethren  are  appointed  as  a  committee  to  pre- 
pare, and  bring  forward  to  the  next  Association,  a  set  of  rules  for 
conducting  the  business  of  this  Association ;  viz.,  S.  Jones,  W.  Rogers, 
T.  Ustick,  W.  Staughton,  G.  Ingles,  and  J.  M'Leod. 

25.  The  Association  to  meet  next  year  on  the  first  Tuesday  in 
October,  in  Philadelphia ;  but  should  the  epidemic  then  prevail  in  the 
city,  to  meet  at  Cohansie.  In  which  case  the  clerk  will  give  notice 
in  the  public  prints. 

Service  to  begin  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

26.  Brother  M'Laughlin  to  preach  the  introductory  discourse ;  and, 
in  case  of  failure,  Brother  Ewing. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  Staughton,  from  Acts  iii.  26, 
"  Unto  you  first,  God,  having  raised  up  his  Son  Jesus,  sent  him  to 
bless  you,  in  turning  away  every  one  of  you  from  his  iniquities." 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  REV.  T.  B.  MONTANYE. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  Philadelplria  Association, 

To  the  churches  they  represent  send  Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  brethren, — We  were  highly  pleased,  and  much  gratified, 
in  the  enjoyment  of  such  a  general  representation  of  the  churches, 
and  the  kind  reception  we  met  by  our  sister  church  at  Hopewell, 
while  the  cause  of  our  convening  in  this  place  gave  us  pain.  Phila- 
delphia being  once  more  visited  by  trying  dispensations  of  Provi- 
dence, her  situation  demands  our  united  cry,  that  God  would  turn 
away  this  calamity  from  her,  and  her  inhabitants  to  himself. 

Anxious  for  your  increase  in  knowledge,  and  to  be  instrumental 
in  advancing  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  the  Messiah,  we  have  chosen 
as  the  subject  of  this  our  epistle — The  Baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
In  making  this  choice  at  the  present  time,  the  following  reasons  have 
guided  our  pen: 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  373 

1.  That  though  this  point  has  been  often  mentioned,  "we  think  sel- 
dom clearly  explained;  and  for  want  of  a  right  idea  of  it,  the  glory 
of  the  Gospel  lessened. 

2.  It  has,  almost  universally,  been  so  blended  with  the  work  of 
regeneration  and  sanctification,  that  it  is  commonly  called  the  inward 
baptism,  and  the  only  necessary  preparative  for  heaven ;  whereas,  it 
was  never  inculcated  in  this  light  in  the  Gospel,  and  we  think  ought 
not  to  be  considered  as  constituting  any  part  of  the  office  work  of  the 
Divine  Spirit  in  renewing  the  heart. 

3.  That  haply  we  may  be  of  use  to  some  of  our  respected  friends, 
by  showing  them,  that,  though  they  may  be  regenerated,  and  enjoy 
the  highest  consolation  in  the  sweet  incomes  of  the  Holy  Comforter, 
and  the  most  sensible  communion  with  Christ;  yet,  as  all  this  does 
not  constitute  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  nor  is  designed  by  it 
in  the  sacred  Scriptures,  it  follows  of  consequence,  that,  rejecting 
the  water  baptism,  they  have  no  baptism  whatever,  and  ought  cheer- 
fully to  submit  to  that  prescribed  in  the  example  of  Jesus  Christ. 

4.  It  being  extremely  absurd  to  hold  one  point  of  the  Christian 
religion  under  the  denomination  of  another,  especially  when  there  is 
no  well  founded  evidence  of  its  present  existence. 

To  render  this  subject  plain,  and  the  truth  of  it  familiar,  we  call 
your  attention  to  the  following  considerations : 

The  term  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  is  only  to  be  found  in  the  New 
Testament,  and  was  first  taught  by  the  harbinger  of  Jesus  Christ, 
Matt.  iii.  11,  "  He  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with 
fire ;"  confining  it  wholly  to  the  office  work  of  the  Saviour,  in  exe- 
cuting the  trust  committed  to  him  by  the  Father ;  and  so  in  Acts  ii. 
33,  "  Therefore,  being  by  the  right  hand  of  God  exalted,  and  having 
received  of  the  Father  the  promise  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  he  hath  shed 
forth  this  which  ye  now  see  and  hear,"  which  evinced  the  power  of 
Christ,  and  confirmed  the  divine  mission  of  John. 

The  subject  itself  is  the  fulfilment  of  prophecy  and  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  promise  made  by  Jesus  Christ  to  his  disciples,  Joel  ii.  28, 
and  recorded  Acts  ii,  from  the  16th  to  the  22d  verse,  "  And  it  shall 
come  to  pass  in  the  last  days,"  saith  God,  "I  will  pour  out  of  my 
Spirit  upon  all  flesh,  and  your  sons  and  your  daughters  shall  pro- 
phesy," &c. ;  also  in  Luke  xxiv.  49,  "And,  behold,  I  send  the  pro- 
mise of  my  Father  upon  you :  but  tarry  ye  in  the  city  of  Jerusalem, 
until  ye  be  endued  with  power  from  on  high;"  which  promise  is  again 
mentioned  by  Luke,  in  Acts  i.  4,  5,  as  the  ground  on  which  the 
apostles  went  to  Jerusalem,  and  there  in  holy  concert  joined  in 
prayer  and  supplication  for  the  accomplishment  of  such  qualifying 
aid,  to  promulge  the  knowledge  of  their  exalted  Redeemer. 

The  nature  of  this  baptism,  most  clearly  evinces  it  to  be  distinct, 
and  materially  diiferent  from  that  of  regeneration.  The  one  a  still 
small  voice,  saying,  "  This  is  the  way;"  the  other,  that  of  "  a  rush- 
ing mighty  wind."  One  invisible,  "  A  white  stone,  and  a  new  name 
given,  which  no  man  knew  save  he  that  had  received  it;"  the  other, 
to  be  seen,  "  Cloven  tongues  of  fire  sat  on  them."    One  internal, 


874  MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

filling  the  heart  with  secret  consolation,  joy  and  pleasure ;  the  other 
external,  "  The  whole  house  where  they  were  sitting." 

This  renders  the  term  baptism  proper,  because  they  were  immersed 
in  the  fountain  of  the  Spirit,  and  thereby  made  partakers  of  such 
extraordinary  and  miraculous  influence,  as  in  regeneration  and  con- 
version were  never  promised. 

The  design  of  this  baptism,  is  another  important  argument  in  fa- 
vor of  this  idea.  To  qualify  otherwise  ignorant  and  unlearned  men, 
to  cope  with  all  the  greatness  of  this  world,  and  to  meet  the  wisdom 
of  men,  in  all  their  formidable  attacks,  putting  them  to  silence.  To 
establish  the  greatest  doctrines  in  the  councils  of  heaven,  or  among 
men,  God  and  man  dwelling  in  one  Christ;  and  that  Jesus  of  Naza- 
reth, crucified  by  the  envious  and  treacherous  Jews,  was  he ;  and, 
though  the  master  was  exalted,  the  disciple  could  effect,  in  his  name, 
visible  evidence  of  his  Godhead,  and  by  signs  and  miracles,  as  well 
as  Scripture  prophecy,  prove  him  to  be  the  Messiah  promised  to  the 
fathers. 

To  establish  the  gospel  dispensation,  by  the  instrumentality  of  a 
few  illiterate  persons,  raised  up  in  the  land  of  Judea,  (who  declared 
that  the  whole  economy  made  known  to  the  ancient  fathers,  the 
costly  grandeur  of  the  temple  and  the  expence  of  its  worship,  was 
fulfilled,  and  all  its  glory  exceeded,  in  him  who  expired  on  the 
accursed  tree,)  needed  the  power  of  omnipotence,  to  make  its  way 
against  the  formidable  force  raised  in  opposition.  Another  reason 
was  to  assure  the  apostles,  primitive  Christians,  and  all  subsequent 
believers,  that  Jesus  Christ  was  the  Son  of  God,  and  only  Saviour 
of  Jews  and  Gentiles.  For  which  reason,  the  Holy  Ghost,  in  his 
miraculous  gifts  of  speaking  with  divers  tongues,  fell  on  the  Gentiles 
in  a  visible  form,  as  upon  the  apostles  on  the  day  of  Pentecost, 
Acts  xi.  15,  16,  "  The  Holy  Ghost  fell  on  them,  as  on  us  at  the 
beginning;"  which  extraordinary  gifts  served  to  confirm  Peter  that 
he  was  doing  right,  in  hearkening  to  the  vision  he  had  seen  ;  and 
to  satisfy  the  church  of  the  divine  right  of  all  nations  in  common  to 
partake  of  salvation  by  the  cross  of  Jesus  Christ. 

The  subjects  of  this  baptism  differ  essentially  from  those  of  regen- 
eration. The  work  of  grace  is  upon  the  hearts  of  the  unregenerated, 
bringing  them  from  a  state  of  moral  death  to  life,  from  darkness  to 
light,  and  from  the  power  of  sin,  and  service  of  Satan,  to  the  liberty 
of  the  gospel,  and  the  enjoyment  of  fellowship  with  God.  Whereas, 
the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost  was  upon  the  apostles;  who,  having 
experienced  the  work  of  grace  upon  their  souls,  and  being  thereby 
made  partakers  of  all  that  is  peculiar  to  regeneration,  could  not  be  re- 
generated by  the  descent  of  the  sacred  Spirit,  which  being  a  work  only 
once  in  the  divine  life,  could  not  be  effected  again.  As  an  assurance 
of  this  fact,  they  are  declared  to  have  "  their  names  written  in 
heaven,"  and  Jesus  Christ  had  manifested  the  Father  to  them,  (John 
xvii.  6,)  and  "that  they  had  known  surely  Christ  came  from  God, 
and  had  believed  on  the  Son  of  God,"  (verse  8.)  "Flesh  and  blood 
had  not  revealed  it  unto  them,  but  the  Father  in  heaven."     They 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  375 

are  called  by  every  near  and  dear  appellation,  that  could  express 
the  love  of  God  to  them.  And  as  for  Cornelius,  he  had  intercourse 
with  God,  and  was  acquainted  with  the  power  of  renewing  grace,  as 
the  cause  of  sending  for  Peter.  As  for  the  twelve  on  whom  Paul 
laid  his  hands,  none  can  doubt  of  their  previous  interest  in  Christ ; 
for  they  are  said  to  have  believed.  To  render  this  point  more  clear, 
not  only  regeneration  is  not  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  nor  yet 
the  receiving  of  the  sacred  Spirit ;  this  is  most  clearly  manifested 
in  the  case  of  the  disciples,  who,  after  the  resurrection  of  Christ, 
were  visited  by  him,  and  he  breathed  on  them  and  they  received  the 
Holy  Ghost,  (John  xx.  22,)  no  doubt  as  much,  if  not  more,  than 
believers  in  common ;  and  yet,  notwithstanding,  they  are  ordered  to 
tarry  at  Jerusalem  until  baptised  of  the  sacred  Spirit.  All  which 
join  to  show,  that  whatever  any  Christian  may  have  gained  in  the 
experience  of  grace,  he  has  no  right  to  the  term,  baptised  by  the 
Spirit,  unless  such  a  person  professing  this  miraculous  attainment, 
for  no  other  is  called  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  prove  it  by 
signs  and  wonders,  as  did  the  primitive  Christians. 

The  effects  which  followed  this  baptism  :  Casting  out  devils  ;  Paul 
dispossessed  the  damsel  that  had  a  spirit  of  divination,  commanding 
the  spirit,  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  come  out  of  her,  and  it 
did  ;  and  also  of  others,  by  the  power  and  in  the  name  of  Christ ; 
speaking  with  new  tongues — not  such  as  all  others  were  ignorant  of, 
but  such  as  they  had  never  learned  or  understood  before ;  taking 
up  serpents  without  injury — so  Paul  had  a  viper  fastened  on  his 
hand,  which  he  shook  off,  and  to  the  amazement  of  the  beholders, 
received  no  harm,  but  their  united  testimony  that  he  was  more  than 
mortal ;  drinking  deadly  poison,  without  hurt ;  laying  hands  on  the 
sick,  and  they  recover  ;  the  father  of  Plubius  was  healed  of  a  fever 
and  the  bloody  flux ;  the  lame  man  from  his  mother's  womb  made 
whole,  and  the  shadow  of  Peter  effected  the  cure  of  many ;  (Acts  v. 
15,  16  ;)  others  were  healed  by  handkerchiefs  and  aprons  taken 
from  the  body  of  Paul :  (Acts  xix.  12  :)  all  of  which  were  then  neces- 
sary for  the  confirmation  of  the  gospel,  and  the  establishment  of 
Christianity  in  the  world. 

Here  it  is  proper  to  remove  some  apparent  diflBculties,  which  are 
a  means  of  puzzling  the  minds  of  many.  First,  What  baptism  the 
apostle  denominates  one  baptism  ?  We  answer,  The  instituted 
appointment  of  Jesus  Christ,  which  he  authorised  after  his  resurrec- 
tion, which  remains  a  standing  ordinance  in  the  church,  and  which 
Peter,  when  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  enjoined  on  Cornelius  and 
the  rest  of  the  believing  Gentiles,  even  after  they  were  baptised 
with  the  Holy  Spirit ;  though  the  baptism  of  the  Spirit  was  never 
an  essential  prerequisite  to  water  baptism ;  but  a  striking  evidence 
to  the  Jews  of  the  salvation  of  the  Gentiles,  and  confirmation  of 
the  existence  of  grace  in  the  heart ;  as  only  such  were  the  subjects 
of  his  miraculous  operations. 

The  next  we  meet  is  in  1  Corinthians  xii.  13 :  "  For  by  one 
Spirit  are  we  all  baptised  into  one  body,  whether  Jews  or  Gentiles, 


376  MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

and  have  been  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit."  By  attending  to 
the  chapter,  you  will  at  once  perceive  that  the  scope  of  it  is  upon 
the  extraordinary  work  of  the  Spirit,  and  indeed  miracles  are  named 
in  verse  10,  and  divers  tongues,  which,  as  we  have  shown,  were  given 
to  the  Gentiles  as  well  as  the  Jews.  The  former  stood  now,  under 
the  gospel  dispensation,  on  an  equal  ground  with  the  latter,  and  had 
come  into  the  fellowship  of  the  saints  by  the  same  miraculous  evi- 
dence from  heaven ;  and  to  us  there  seems  no  absurdity  in  saying 
that  the  same  Spirit  influences  all  nations  to  yield  an  obedience  to 
the  instituted  appointments  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  so  come  into  the 
union  of  the  body  the  church.  As  for  sundry  other  Scriptures,  such 
as  Rom.  vi.  3,  4.,  Col.  ii.  12,  1  Peter,  3,  21,  Gal.  iii.  27,  they  have 
an  evident  relation  to  water  baptism,  and  are  no  way  connected  with, 
nor  yet  refer  to,  the  work  of  grace  in  the  heart. 

The  narrow  limits  of  a  letter  call  us  to  a  close.  We  must,  there- 
fore, leave  you  to  gather  further  instruction  from  the  few  inferences 
deducible  from  the  whole. 

1.  That  though  regeneration  and  sanctification  be  essential  to  the 
character  of  a  Christian ;  yet  neither  of  them  constitute  the  baptism 
of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

2.  However  much  you  may  enjoy  of  the  Spirit,  as  the  Spirit  of 
life,  light,  and  love  ;  you  have  no  Scripture  grounds  to  call  this 
inward  baptism,  and  so  the  one  baptism,  and  thereby  live  in  the 
neglect  of  the  appointments  of  Jesus  Christ. 

3.  That  as  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost  was  given  for  the  con- 
firmation of  the  gospel  dispensation,  it  has  effected  its  design  ;  the 
sacred  prophecy  is  fulfilled,  and  it  has  ceased. 

4.  That  as  the  extraordinary  work,  and  no  other,  is  known  in  the 
gospel  as  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  that  took  place  after 
faith  in  Christ,  or  regeneration,  we  have  no  right  to  call  regenera- 
tion baptism. 

5.  Though  we  are  the  hopeful  subjects  of  divine  grace,  and  live  in 
the  smiles  of  heaven  ;  it  is  both  our  duty  and  privilege  to  submit  to 
the  appointments  of  Jesus  Christ,  as  laid  down  in  his  word. 

And  now,  dear  brethren,  you  may  perceive,  that  our  intention  is 
not  to  deny  any  of  the  blessed  operations  of  the  holy  Ghost  upon  the 
human  mind ;  but  to  distinguish  between  truth  and  error.  While 
we  write  these  things  to  you,  we  hope  that  God  may  give  you  and  us 
more  of  his  Spirit,  that  we  may  live  unto  Him,  who  has  died  for  us. 
And  as  churches,  we  would  exhort  you  to  live  in  the  Spirit,  and 
grieve  not  the  holy  Spirit  of  God,  whereby  ye  are  sealed  until  the 
day  of  redemption.  In  the  mean  time,  pray  for  us,  that  as  instru- 
mental of  your  joy,  you  and  we  may  honor  our  profession  by  holy 
living,  in  the  smiles  of  God's  gracious  Spirit. 
Signed  by  order  of  the  Association. 

Hezekiah  Smith,  Moderator. 

BuKGiss  Allison,  Clerk. 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


377 


THE  MINISTERS  AND    MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,   AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

ministers  and  messengers. 

.a 
"S. 

a 

pq 

i  1 

i  1 

Jjeceaseu. 
Members. 

Lower  Dublin, 

f  Samuel  Jones, 
<  John  Holmes, 
(  Thomas  Holmes, 

0 

0 

0 

0    0 

2     73 

Middletown, 

Benjamin  Bennet,* 
J.  Stilhvell, 
Samuel  Ogburn, 
Jacob  Conover, 

6 

0 

0 

4    1 

0    139 

Cohansie, 

f  Henry  Smalley, 
1  Samuel  B.  Harris, 
(Joseph  B.  Cook, 

54 

3 

2 

1    0 

0    149 

Great  Valley, 

j  David  Jones, 
[  James  Abraham, 

0 

0 

0 

0    0 

3      62 

Cape  May,t 

Jonathan  Garman,* 

7 

0 

0 

0    0 

1      40 

Hopewell, 

'James  EwiNG, 
John  Blackwell, 
James  Stout, 
James  Hunt, 
Andrew  Stout, 
Hezekia  Stout, 
Nathan  Drake, 

9 

0 

9 

1    0 

1    222 

Brandywine, 

Joshua  Vaughan,* 

5 

0 

0 

0    0 

2      89 

Montgomery, 

'Joshua  Jones,^ 
Charles  Humphrey, 
Silas  Hough, 
John  Hartel,  jr.. 

7 

0 

0 

1    0 

0      69 

Kingwood, 

^  Garner  Hunt, 
David  Stout, 
Daniel  Bray, 

^  Isaac  Blue, 

3 

1 

2 

0    0 

1      81 

Haight's  Town, 
Philadelphia, 

'Peter  Wilson, 
John  Flock, 
John  Jones, 
Amos  Hart, 
John  Walling, 

'  Thomas  Ustick, 
William  Rogers, 
John  Peckicoiih, 
George  Ingolls, 
John  M'Leod, 

32 
23 

0 
10 

17 

8    I 

2    1 

)  0  : 

i    339 
5    167 

Southampton,             ^ 

Thomas  B.  Montanye, 
Thomas  Folwell, 
Jeremiah  Dungan, 

4 

2 

0    ( 

)    0    ] 

L      91 

Knowlton,! 

0 

0 

0    ( 

)    0    ( 

)      17 

New  Britain,               < 

AYilliam  White, 
Edward  Matthew, 
George  Sigfried, 

1 

0 

0    1 

0   c 

)      96 

Salem,                         < 

Horatio  G.  Jones,* 
Benjamin  Thompson, 
Henry  Mulford, 

25 

2 

0    0 

2    4 

99 1 

48 


378 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


CHURCHES. 


Dividing  Creek, 

New  ]VIills, 

Kolonowaj,f 
Upper  Freehold, 
Pittsgrove, 

Manahawkin, 

Vincent, 
Tuckahoe,t 
London  Tract,f 

Hilltown, 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


John  Rutter,*" 

f  Alexander  M'Gowan, 
I  Benjamin  Hedger, 

Joseph  Powell,* 

John  Morgan, 


Edward  Jennings, 


Jacob's  Town, 

Marcus  Hook, 
Roxbury, 

Am  well, 
Burlington, 

Mount  Holly, 
Dover,  York  county. 


(James  M'Laughlin, 
Philip  Miller, 
John  Mathias, 
W.  H.  Roland, 

TBuRGiss  Allison, 
J  William  Snowden, 
1  Asher  Cox, 
[  James  Cox, 


Thomas  Fleeson,* 


Nicholas  Ott, 
John  Teurny, 

i  William  »Staughton, 
Isaac  GifiPord, 
Elijah  Condon, 


J  Jesse  Cox, 
j  George  Allen, 
[Edward  Thomas, 


4      0 


12 


247 


50 


0    1 


0    0 

0    0 

100  19 


58 

96 

65 

75 

124 

27 
33 
27 
26 


146 

57 
19 

52 

58 
32 


4i34'2695 


Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers  in 
italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  churches  marked  thus  f 
received  no  letter.     A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


The  Rev.  John  Stancliff,  of  Cape  May,  died  on  the  19th  of 
January,  1802. 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  BY  SPECIAL  APPOINTMENT,  AT  COHANSIE,  NEW  JERSEY, 
OCTOBER  4th,  5th,  AND  6tH, 

1803. 


October  4tli. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Brother  James  M'Laughlin 
being  prevented  by  affliction  in  his  family,  from  attending,  Brother 
James  Ewing  preached  the  introductory  sermon,  from  Matt,  xxiii.  8, 
"  One  is  your  Master,  even  Christ;  and  all  ye  are  brethren." 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother  Al- 
lison, when  Brother  Samuel  Jones  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother 
William  Staughton,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  twenty-nine  churches  were  read. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Brother  Rogers 
concluded  by  prayer. 

October  6th,  nine  o'clock,  A.  m. — Met  according  to  adjournment. 
Prayer  by  the  moderator, 

5.  After  reading  the  letters  from  the  churches  belonging  to  the 
Association,  a  letter  was  read  from  the  second  Philadelphia  church, 
and  another  from  the  second  Hopewell  church,  requesting  admission 
into  our  body ;  which  was  cheerfully  granted. 

6.  Our  Brother  Jacob  Bishop,  being  present,  was  invited  to  a  seat 
with  us. 

7.  Received  letters  from  the  following  Associations:  viz.,  War- 
wick, by  their  messenger  Benjamin  Montanye,  with  their  minutes ; 
Charleston,  with  their  minutes ;  from  Middle  District  Association,  with 
their  minutes  only ;  from  New  York,  the  corresponding  letters,  with 
their  minutes ;  from  Delaware,  a  letter  by  Thomas  G.  Jones,  with 
a  copy  of  their  minutes. 

8.  Having  obtained  a  parcel  of  minutes  through  the  medium  of 
Brother  Herrick,  from  the  Rensellaer  Association,  this  Association 
rejoicing  in  their  prosperity,  are  desirous  of  commencing  a  corres- 
pondence with  them. 

9.  Learning  from  a  minute  in  the  Delaware  Association,  that  Joseph 
Flood  has  not  only  preached  the  plurality  of  wives,  but  actually  put 
the  pernicious  doctrine  into  practice,  we  join  with  our  sister  Asso- 

(379) 


380  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

elation  in  cautioning  the  churclies  against  him  as  an  excommunicated 
person. 

10.  London  Tract  and  Conolaway  churches  having  requested  dis- 
mission from  us,  the  former  to  the  Delaware,  the  latter  to  the  Balti- 
more Association,  this  Association  agrees  to  their  dismission. 

11.  The  following  brethren  are  appointed  to  write  to  the  corres- 
ponding Associations ;  Brother  Montanye,  to  the  Warren ;  Brother 
Allison,  to  the  Charleston;  Brother  Ellis,  to  the  New  York  ;  Brother 
Hough,  to  the  Warwick ;  and  Brother  Yaughan,  to  the  Delaware. 

12.  The  New  York  and  the  Warwick  Associations  having  unitedly 
requested  that  three  of  ten  brethren  whom  they  have  named,  be  ap- 
pointed as  a  council  to  assist  in  the  adjustment  of  some  difficulties 
subsisting  between  them;  this  Association  appoints  Brethren  Samuel 
Jones,  David  Jones,  and  Burgiss  Allison;  and  in  case  of  the  sick- 
ness or  death  of  either  of  these,  Brethren  Wilson  and  Ewing. 

Brother  Rogers  prayed. 
Adjourned  to  half  past  two  o'clock. 

Half  past  t^  o'clock,  P.  M. — Met  according  to  adjournment. 
Brother  Staughton  prayed. 

13.  Query  from  the  first  Church  of  Philadelphia:  "Is  it  in  order 
to  have  a  moderator  appointed  in  our  Association,  who  is  not  a  mem- 
ber of  one  of  the  churches  belonging  to  it,  and  a  delegate  at  the 
same  time  to  the  Association  from  the  church  so  belonging  ?" 

Answer  :  This  Association  is  not  of  opinion  that  it  is,  strictly 
speaking,  out  of  order  to  have  a  moderator  appointed,  who  is  not  a 
member  of  any  of  the  churches  which  compose  this  body ;  yet,  in  ad- 
dition to  other  considerations,  his  being  unacquainted  with  the  course 
of  our  business,  and  his  inability,  by  reason  of  absence,  to  discharge 
some  duties  which  among  us  devolve  on  the  moderator  in  the  interval 
of  our  meetings,  render  such  a  choice  improper. 

1-1.  Collected  for  the  education  fund : 

Lower  Dublin,  .            -            - 

Haight's  Town,  .            -            -            -            - 

Southampton,  ..... 

Salem,  ...... 

Burgiss  Allison,  ..... 

Burlington,  ..--.. 

$57  91 

15.  Appointed  a  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  George  Ingles, 
John  Holmes,  and  William  Magee,  to  enquire  into  the  expenses  which 
have  attended  such  of  our  brethren  as  have  visited  destitute  churches 
for  the  two  years  past. 

16.  After  reading  the  circular  letter,  Brethren  David  Jones,  W. 
Staughton,  M.  A.  M'Gowan,  H.  Smalley,  and  B.  Allison  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee,  together  with  the  author,  to  revise  it  for 
publication. 

17.  Supplies  for  Sculltown,  Upper  Freehold,  Manahawkin,  Hope- 
well, Frankford,  Philadelphia,  and  Dover. 

Adjourned  till  eleven  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


§10 

35 

10 

00 

8 

00 

15 

00 

2 

00 

12 

58 

MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  381 

Sermon  in  the  evening  by  Brother  B.  Montanye,  from  1  John  lii.  5, 
"  And  ye  know  that  he  was  manifested  to  take  away  our  sins." 
October  7th,  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  according  to  adjournment. 

18.  A  letter  was  read  from  Brethren  Bryan,  Vanhorn,  and  Lahatt, 
requesting  the  aid  of  our  funds  for  the  improvement  of  Thomas 
Brown,  a  member  of  the  church  at  Newark,  he  being  a  young  man 
of  very  promising  gifts  for  the  ministry.  The  moderator  is  requested 
to  write  to  the  brethren  on  the  subject. 

19.  Resolved,  That  the  studies  of  any  young  man  who  may  ap- 
ply to  this  Association  for  assistance  in  his  learning,  shall  be  directed 
in  such  a  way  as  the  Association  then  sitting  shall  think  proper :  the 
extent  of  the  term  of  his  studies  is  not  to  exceed  one  year. 

Brother  Smalley  prayed. 
Adjourned  to  half  past  two  o'clock. 

Half  past  two  o'clock,  p.  M. — Met  according  to  adjournment. 
Brother  Vaughan  prayed. 

20.  The  letters  to  the  corresponding  Associations  were  read. 
Brethren  Peckworth  and  Vaughan  were  appointed  messengers  to  the 
Delaware  Association  ;  Brethren  Montanye  and  Allison,  to  the  War- 
wick; Brother  Montanye,  with  the  committee,  to  the  New  York. 

21.  The  plan  of  a  missionary  society  was  read,  and  with  some 
alteration  approved  and  recommended.  It  is  also  recommended  that 
sermons  be  preached  for  the  education  and  mission  funds. 

22.  It  is  hoped  the  quarterly  days  of  prayer  will  be  continued 
through  the  churches. 

23.  Report  of  the  corresponding  committee  was  received. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  correspondence  at  Lower  Dub- 
lin, September  20,  1803,— 

Resolved,  That  the  recording  secretary  be  directed  to  copy  from  the 
minutes,  a  statement  of  the  intelligence  that  has  been  received  to  be 
presented  to  the  Association. 

The  committee  accordingly  report,  that  they  have  received, 

I.  A  view  of  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  churches  composing  the 
Otsego  Association,  in  the  west  part  of  New  York  State,  by  A. 
Hosmer  and  John  Lawton,  forwarded  to  Brother  Ustick  by  John 
Lawton. 

II.  A  letter  from  Andrew  Brown,  a  member  of  the  Rensellaer- 
ville  Association  in  the  west  of  New  York  State,  dated  Berne,  August 
8th,  1803,  and  Avith  it  the  minutes  of  the  Association  from  1799  to 
1802,  inclusive. 

III.  A  short  history  of  the  Baptist  churches  in  Wayne  and  Lu- 
zerne counties,  Pennsylvania,  forwarded  July  8th,  1803,  by  Samuel 
Stanton,  of  Mount  Pleasant,  to  Brother  Rogers. 

IV.  A  communication  from  the  Roanoke  District  Association,  for- 
warded by  their  committee,  August  1st,  1803,  to  Brother  Ustick,  in 
which  they  furnish  us  with  a  short  history  of  their  rise  and  progress, 
and  mention  their  intention  of  forwarding  annual  accounts. 

V.  A  letter  from  Benjamin  Watkins,  of  Powhattan  county,  Alrglnia, 


( 

382  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

forwarded  to  Brother  Rogers,  in  which  he  gives  a  short  account  of 
the  Middle  District  Association.  He  has  also  sent  several  of  the 
minutes  for  1802  and  1803. — A  true  extract. 

William  Staughton,  Recording  Secretary. 

The  committee  adjourned  to  the  26th  of  April,  1804 ;  to  meet  at 
Philadelphia,  at  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 

24.  Brother  Benjamin  Thaw,  of  Philadelphia,  was  appointed  to 
supply  the  vacancy,  in  the  corresponding  committee,  occasioned  by 
the  decease  of  Brother  Thomas  Ustick. 

25.  Brother  Staughton  is  appointed  librarian  to  the  Association, 
in  the  place  of  our  late  Brother  Ustick,  to  whom  it  is  requested  that 
the  books  may  be  forwarded,  in  order  to  the  making  out  a  regular 
catalogue  of  the  whole. 

26.  Brother  M'Laughlin  to  preach  the  Association  sermon  next 
year ;  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  T.  B.  Montanye. — Brother  Allison 
is  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter. 

27.  Brother  Staughton  is  requested  to  superintend  the  printing  of 
the  minutes. 

28.  The  Association  is  to  meet  next  year,  on  the  first  Tuesday  in 
October,  in  Philadelphia;  and  in  case  of  the  disease  in  the  city,  at 
New  Britain. 

The  Association  closed  with  an  address  and  prayer  by  the 
moderator. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  T.  B.  Montanye,  from  Jer.  xxxi.  9. 

This  Association  recommends  to  the  churches  the  edition  of  the 
Bible  now  publishing  by  Mr.  Matthew  Carey,  Philadelphia,  as  worthy 
their  patronage. 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  REV.  WILLIAM  WHITE. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Association, 
To  the  churches  they  represent,  send  Christian  salutation. 
Beloved  brethren, — As  it  has  been  our  custom  to  address  you  an- 
nually in  an  epistolary  way ;  in  conforming  therewith  this  year,  we 
have  deemed  it  expedient  to  continue  an  investigation  of  the  office- 
work  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  In  our  last  year's  epistle,  relation  is  had 
to  the  work  of  the  Spirit  in  qualifying  the  apostles  to  discharge  the 
great  duties  entrusted  to  them ;  but  we  shall  confine  ourselves  to  that 
part  which  relates  to  preparing  those  that  were  given  to  Christ  to 
redeem,  for  the  fruition  of  happiness  in  the  presence  of  God. 
When  we  speak  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  we  mean  the  third  person  in  the 
divine  essence,  to  whom  many  significant  titles  are  applied,  the  con- 
sideration of  which,  will  probably  be  edifying.  He  is  called  the 
Holy  Spirit,  Psalm  li.  11,  and  Eph.  i.  13;  intimating  thereby,  that 
such  is  the  purity  of  his  nature,  being  purity  in  the  abstract,  that 
there  is  an  absolute  necessity  that  those  who  would  enjoy  the  fellow- 
ship of  the  Spirit,  Phil.  ii.  1,  should  be  holy,  not  using  the  members 
of  the  body,  which  is  the  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  1  Cor.  vi.  19, 


MINUTES   OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  383 

in  the  service  of  sin.  He  is  also  called  the  Spirit  of  holiness,  Rom. 
iv.  1,  because  he  implants  a  principle  of  holiness  in  all  the  elect; 
and  forasmuch  as  there  is  not  any  thing  amiable  or  lovely  in  God's 
dear  children,  but  what  is  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit,  Gal.  v.  22.  Eter- 
nity is  ascribed  to  him,  and,  therefore,  he  is  called  the  eternal  Spirit, 
Heb.  ix.  14,  to  show  that  ho  is  not  God  by  oflSce,  or  in  a  figurative 
sense  only ;  but  that,  as  he  possesses  eternity,  one  of  the  attributes 
of  the  divine  nature,  he  is  truly  and  properly  God.  He  is  called  the 
Spirit  of  grace,  Heb.  x.  29,  because  the  holy  Scriptures,  given  by 
inspiration  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  make  known  all  the  gracious  de- 
signs of  Jehovah  towards  his  people ;  and  because  he  implants  gra- 
cious affections,  and  applies  the  blessings  of  grace  to  the  subjects  of 
it.  He  is  called  the  Comforter,  John  xiv.  16,  by  reason  of  that  sup- 
port which  pious  men  derive  from  him,  when  under  affliction.  He  is 
styled  the  Spirit  of  promise,  Eph.  i.  13,  with  relation  to  his  bringing 
the  promises  to  our  view,  applying  them  to  us,  so  as  exactly  to  suit 
our  particular  cases,  and  enabling  us  to  take  consolation  from  them  : 
or,  because  the  marvellous  descent  of  the  Spirit  on  the  day  of  Pente- 
cost was  the  fruit  of  promise,  as  well  as  the  indwelling  and  aid  of 
the  holy  Spirit  to  believers,  to  whom  it  is  promised,  that  he  shall 
abide  with  them  forever,  John  xiv.  16.  He  is  called  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord,  2  Cor.  iii.  17,  and  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  Rom.  viii.  9,  de- 
noting that  he  comes  in  consequence  of  covenant  stipulations,  for 
which  cause  Christ  is  said  to  receive  gifts  for  men.  Psalm  Ixviii.  18, 
and  to  shed  forth  the  Spirit,  Acts  ii.  32,  and  to  send  the  Comforter 
to  abide  with  the  disciples,  John  xvi.  7;  and  lastly,  he  is  called  the 
Spirit  of  glory,  because  he  gives  a  foretaste  of  it — assures  us  of  our 
right  to  it — and  prepares  us  for  the  complete  enjoyment  of  it. 

In  treating  further  on  this  subject,  we  shall  show,  1st,  That  the 
children  of  the  Lord  only,  are  made  partakers  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
in  its  operations  on  their  hearts.  And  2dly,  What  is  effected  by 
the  Holy  Ghost  in  such.  Many  well  meaning  persons  have  certainly 
handled  this  subject  very  injudiciously  :  and  we  are  convinced,  if 
they  would  but  for  a  moment  consider,  they  must  see  into  what 
difficulties  they  are  involved ;  and  that  if  they  have  a  system  of 
doctrine  at  all,  they  must  systematically  become  Armenians,  as  it 
is  impossible  to  hold  the  precious  doctrines  of  grace  upon  such 
ground.  It  is  not  uncommon  for  many,  from  whom  we  might  have 
expected  better  things,  after  treating  upon  some  of  the  sublime 
doctrines  of  the  gospel,  in  applying  their  subject  and  addressing 
impenitent  and  unrenewed  sinneis,  to  tell  them  God's  most  holy 
Spirit  has  been  striving  with  them  from  their  infancy  up,  and  that 
hitherto  his  attempts  have  been  unsuccessful.  If  such  doctrine  is 
according  to  godliness,  brethren,  you  will  readily  discover  that  the 
sinner,  and  not  the  Spirit  of  God,  is  omnipotent ;  and  that  from 
henceforth,  instead  of  saying  confidently,  that  the  dead  shall  hear 
his  voice  and  live,  John  v.  25,  we  must  always  add,  provided  men 
will  condescend  to  let  the  Holy  Spirit  work,  since  then,  and  not  till 
then,  shall   they  be  quickened   or  made  alive.     Such   doctrine,  is 


384  MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

evidently  in  direct  opposition  to  the  Scriptures  of  truth  ;  for  the 
sinner,  prior  to  regeneration,  is  always  represented  as  passive,  and 
therefore  is  declared  to  be  dead,  Eph.  ii.  1,  and  is  said  to  be  born ; 
to  be  begotten.  As  the  creature  begotten,  cannot  be  said  to  be 
active  prior  to  his  existence,  or  be  the  instrument  of  its  own  exist- 
ence, these  expressions  fully  show,  that  it  does  not  depend  upon  the 
favorable  reception  the  divine  Spirit  meets  with,  that  the  work  of 
grace  is  effected  in  the  soul.  The  work  of  the  Spirit  is  called  a 
creation,  Ps.  li.  10,  2  Cor.  v.  IT,  in  allusion  to  an  almighty  agent 
giving  existence  to  the  system  of  nature,  both  with  respect  to 
matter  and  form.  As  there  was  no  pre-existing  matter  to  form  the 
present  material  world,  and  consequently  infinite  power  was  neces- 
sarily engaged  in  producing  it,  these  phrases  evidently  show,  that 
the  sinner  is  not  an  effectual  agent  to  hinder  the  work,  and  that 
nothing  can  possibly  frustrate  that  grace  which  creates  the  soul  in 
Christ  Jesus  to  good  works.  In  addition  to  what  has  been  said  it 
will  be  sufficient  to  observe,  that  the  language  of  holy  writ  is  abso- 
lute :  "They  shall  be  my  people,"  2  Cor.  vi.  16 ;  "they  shall  be  willing," 
Psalm  ex.  3  ;  "  which  were  born,  not  of  the  will  of  the  flesh,"  John  i. 
13  ;  "  all  that  the  Father  giveth  me  shall  come,"  John  vi.  37  ;  "  the 
dead  shall  hear  my  voice,"  John  v.  25. 

Some  urge  the  strivings  of  the  Spirit,  as  essential  to  constituting 
a  judicial  right  in  God  to  punish  the  finally  impenitent.  This  may 
suit  well  enough  for  those  that  believe  in  general  redemption  and 
universal  provision  ;  but  how  it  suits  with  the  Calvinistic  scheme, 
(which  we  believe  to  be  founded  on  the  word  of  God,)  we  cannot 
comprehend.  Such  doctrine  is  one  of  the  greatest  insults  that  can 
be  offered  to  the  Divine  Being.  It  supposes  that  the  infinite  Jeho- 
vah, intends  no  good  to  the  sinner,  but  on  the  contrary  has  deter- 
mined to  make  him  miserable ;  not  having  sufficient  reason  to 
make  him  so,  and  knowing  that  he  has  no  power  nor  inclination  to 
receive  Christ  and  his  benefits,  yea,  that  God  himself  does  not 
intend  that  he  shall,  he  will  make  him  some  insincere  offers  of 
salvation,  and  afford  him,  what  some  persons  call,  common  opera- 
tions of  the  Spirit,  which  he  knows  will  be  entirely  ineffectual ;  and, 
after  this  pretence  of  trying  to  save  him,  very  gravely  tells  him, 
that  for  his  not  letting  the  Spirit  convert  him,  he  must  be  miserable 
to  all  eternity.  It  would  be  hard  to  say  worse  of  the  great  God, 
than  what  is  said  of  him  in  the  above  sentiment ;  for,  therein  he  is 
charged  with  hypocrisy  and  cruelty — hypocrisy,  for  his  only  making 
pretence  to  commisserate  the  case  of  the  sinner  and  afford  him 
relief;  and  of  cruelty,  since,  on  such  principles,  men  are  not  pun- 
ished as  offenders,  but  simply  as  creatures.  It  makes  God  proceed 
therein,  not  as  the  moral  governor  of  the  world,  but  upon  the 
ground  of  arbitrary  or  despotic  authority.  You  will  readily  per- 
ceive, brethren,  that  it  is  not  merely  the  want  of  faith  and  repen- 
tance, that  is  the  procuring  cause  of  the  sinner's  destruction,  but  a 
want  of  moral  rectitude,  of  coming  up  to  the  requirements  of  the 
divine  law  ;  and,  therefore,  there  is  no  need  that  God  should  seek 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  385 

an  occasion  against  him,  forasmuch  as  there  is  sufficient  reason  that 
he  should  punish  men,  even  if  no  Saviour  had  been  provided.  As 
for  common  operations  of  the  Spirit  and  days  of  grace,  these  are 
links  of  the  same  chain,  and  are  necessary  to  help  the  legal  preacher 
along :  but  though  they  may  be  necessary  to  the  system  of  the 
Armenian,  they  are  equally  unscriptural.  As  to  the  first,  there  is 
no  mention  made  of  them  in  any  part  of  the  sacred  oracles — they 
have  existed  only  in  the  fancies  of  men  ;  and  the  latter  opinion, 
which  that  much  abused  scripture,  Luke  xix.  42,  is  used  to  support, 
is  far  from  being  substantiated  thereby.  The  text  in  question,  had 
respect  simply  to  the  treatment  of  Christ  as  the  promised  Messiah  ; 
for  the  rejection  of  whom,  after  his  mission  had  been  attested  by  so 
many  miracles,  the  city  of  Jerusalem  was  doomed  to  a  dreadful 
overthrow,  and  the  Jewish  commonwealth  wholly  ruined  :  but  the 
text  has  no  relation  whatever  to  the  dav  of  their  salvation  beincr 
past ;  for  it  is  manifest,  that  many  of  those  very  persons,  of  whom 
it  has  been  said  that  their  day  of  grace  was  past,  were  afterwards 
converted  under  the  preaching  of  Peter.     See  Acts  ii. 

But  let  us  inquire  further,  upon  what  the  abettors  of  this  doctrine 
build  their  theory.  It  is  certain,  that  these  sentiments  have  been 
chiefly  gathered  from  observing  a  kind  of  legal  exercise,  which  more 
or  less  exists  in  the  hearts  of  unregenerated  persons  who  sit  under 
the  gospel,  and  especially  if  the  ministry  be  powerful  and  alarming ; 
and  also  from  some  passages  of  holy  writ,  which  have  been  amaz- 
ingly misunderstood. 

As  to  the  first,  it  may  be  properly  called  the  workings  of  natural 
conscience ;  such  is  the  evidence  which  divine  truth  brings  with  it  to 
the  mind,  searching  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men,  bringing  to 
light  their  enmity  against  God,  and  their  immoral  conduct  generally. 
Hence,  sinners,  merely  by  the  light  of  reason,  perceiving  that  God's 
holy  law  condemns  them,  and  that  the  penalty  of  it  is  no  less  than 
eternal  misery,  are  at  times  very  uneasy.  Paul  says,  "  the  Gentiles 
which  have  not  the  law  are  a  law  unto  themselves,"  and  that  "their 
thoughts  accuse  or  excuse  each  other,  their  conscience  in  the  mean 
time  bearing  witness."  By  way  of  inference,  he  adds,  "  which  show 
the  work  of  the  law  written  in  their  heart,"  Rom.  ii.  15.  Here  the 
apostle  plainly  accounts  for  the  above-mentioned  feelings  of  unregene- 
rate  persons,  which  he  intimates  do  not  come  from  the  immediate 
operations  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  but  from  the  law,  some  faint  traces  of 
which  continue  in  the  mind :  and  that  it  is  conscience,  and  not  the 
Spirit  of  God,  which  bears  testimony  to  their  actions,  the  result 
of  which  is,  that  their  thoughts  accuse  or  excuse  one  another.  Is  it 
any  wonder,  therefore,  that  persons  sitting  under  a  gospel  ministry, 
hearing  the  word  and  beholding  the  ordinances,  and  enjoying  withal 
a  pious  education  and  the  godly  example  of  religious  parents,  (for  it 
is  unregenerate  persons  of  that  class  who  feel  most  uneasy,)  should 
sometimes,  when  under  some  qualms  of  conscience,  enter  upon  some 
legal  duties?  The  same  matter  is  forcibly  illustrated  in  the  case  of 
Felix,  Acts  xxiv.  25.    It  is  said,  Paul  "reasoned,"  (not  a  word  about 

49 


386  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

the  strivings  of  the  Spirit;)  that  the  subjects  were  "righteousness, 
temperance,  and  judgment,"  (very  suitable  indeed  to  alarm  a  rapa- 
cious, rioting,  and  wicked  governor;)  that  he,  as  is  usual  with  such, 
trembled  at  the  thought  of  a  day  of  retribution :  and  the  whole  of 
this  is  attributed  to  Paul,  and  not  to  the  Spirit.  It  has  been  a  pre- 
vailing opinion,  that  these  feelings  are  peculiar  to  youth;  but  then 
it  must  be  remembered,  that  it  is  only  in  such  (as  has  been  before 
observed)  as  enjoy  religious  instruction.  And  as  for  others,  however 
young,  they  appear  to  be  as  insensible  as  those  in  mature  age  who 
live  carelessly.  It  may  be  again  remarked,  that  such  as  have  lived 
all  the  early  part  of  their  lives  without  religious  instruction,  when,  in 
the  course  of  divine  Providence,  they  are  cast  under  a  powerful 
ministry,  become  as  much  disturbed,  at  times,  as  persons  do  in  youth. 
From  all  which  we  may  infer,  that  these  feelings  are  not  from  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord,  working  in  persons  in  early  life,  and  ti'ying  to 
make  them  Christians,  who,  not  being  able  to  effect  it,  at  length, 
when  old,  leaves  them  as  persons  out  of  the  reach  of  mercy — and,  as 
some  tell  us,  because  their  day  of  grace  is  past ;  for  we  find  that 
many,  very  many  of  that  description  of  persons,  are  afterwards  con- 
verted to  God,  and  live  sober  and  religious  lives. 

Those  texts  which  have  been  understood  as  countenancing  the 
striving  of  the  Spirit  in  all  men,  we  shall  consider  so  far  as  the  bounds 
of  a  letter  will  admit.  We  are  frequently  reminded  of  John  xvi,  8, 
as  a  text  in  point,  to  prove  the  doctrine;  but,  by  consulting  the  con- 
text, it  will  appear,  that  the  apostles  were  the  subjects  of  the  pro- 
mise, and  that  it  did  not  relate  to  the  workings  of  gracious  affections 
in  them  by  the  Spirit,  (for  these  they  enjoyed  before,)  but  the  effu- 
sion of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which  they  were  to  wait  for  in  Jerusalem, 
that  they  might  "  be  endued  with  power  from  on  high,"  Luke  xxiv.  49. 
By  "  the  world,"  is  primarily  intended  the  Jewish  nation,  a  vast  mul- 
titude of  whom  were  then  at  Jerusalem  keeping  the  feast ;  by  the  ful- 
filment of  Christ's  promise,  in  the  outpouring  of  the  Spirit,  they 
were  reproved  for,  or  convinced  of  sin,  not  only  in  putting  Christ  to 
death,  but  of  not  believing  on  him,  as  the  Messiah — of  righteousness, 
either  his  personal  rectitude,  being  no  impostor,  or  more  especially 
that  it  was  he  who  was  the  subject  of  Daniel's  prophecy,  of  whom 
it  was  foretold  that  he  should  "bring  in  everlasting  righteousness," 
Dan.  ix.  24 ;  and  of  judgment,  because,  by  the  outpouring  of  the 
Spirit,  complete  evidence  was  given  that  he  was  really  risen  from  the 
dead,  and  consequently  thereby  giving  assui'ance  of  his  coming  to 
sit  in  judgment  on  them,  Acts  xvii.  31. 

Nor  can  Heb.  vi.  4,  be  brought  to  prove  the  doctrine.  As  the  be- 
ing made  partakers  of  the  Holy  Ghost  there  intends,  not  his  regene- 
rating influences,  but  merely  gifts,  or  ministerial  abihties.  Such  was 
the  case  with  Balaam  and  Judas.  Christ  says,  "Rejoice  not  that  the 
devils  are  subject  to  you;  but  rather  rejoice  because  your  names  are 
written  in  heaven,"  Luke  x.  20.  When  St.  Paul  says,  that  "  the  mani- 
festation of  the  Spirit  is  given  to  every  man  to  profit  withal,"  1  Cor- 
xii.  7,  he  has  respect  to  gifts,  and  not  to  grace;  for  by  the  "every 


MINUTES    OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  387 

man,"'  is  meant  the  gifted  persons  in  the  church  of  Corinth;  and  his 
design  is  to  show,  that  although  their  gifts  differed  widely,  yet  they 
were  given  by  the  same  Spirit  for  the  edification  of  the  church,  and 
would  be  profitable  to  the  body. 

But  it  may  be  objected,  that  the  holy  Spirit  is  said  to  ''  strive  with 
man,"  Gen.  vi.  3;  to  be  resisted,  Acts  vii.  51;  and  vexed,  Isa.  Ixiii. 
10.  We  have  no  inclination  to  deny  that  the  Spirit  may  strive,  be 
resisted,  and  vexed  in  a  certain  sense ;  but  not  in  the  sense  in  which 
the  words  are  commonly  used.  It  is  manifest  that  the  Spirit  in  the 
apostles  and  prophets  is  intended,  when  said  to  strive,  to  be  vexed, 
and  resisted  by  the  impenitent.  As  to  the  first,  the  Spirit  in  Noah 
was  intended ;  and  in  this  sense  it  is  the  apostle  Peter  affirms,  (1  Pet. 
iii.  19,)  that  Christ  preached  to  those  antediluvians  who  are  now  in 
prison,  because  that  his  Spirit  was  in  Noah  as  a  preacher  of  righte- 
ousness, and  they  were  strove  with  in  the  ministry  of  the  word. 
When  it  is  said  that  the  children  of  Israel  vexed  his  holy  Spirit,  as 
in  the  above  text,  it  is  also  added,  which  he  put  in  him  (Moses),  by 
whose  right  hand  they  were  led.  And  it  is  also  plain,  that  the  same 
thing  is  intended  in  the  Acts.  For  Stephen,  in  charging  the  Jews 
with  resisting  the  Holy  Ghost,  observes,  they  did  as  their  fathers 
h;id  done  before  them,  who  persecuted  and  slew  the  prophets  which 
showed  the  coming  of  the  Just  One,  of  whom  (says  he)  you  have 
been  the  betrayers,  and  murderers,  thereby  resisting  and  rejecting 
the  testimony  of  the  Holy  Ghost  as  they  did.  A  parallel  passage 
with  those  mentioned  is  Zech.  vii.  12,  "  Yea,  they  made  their  hearts 
as  an  adamant  stone,  lest  they  should  hear  the  law,  and  the  words 
which  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  sent  in  his  Spirit  by  the  former 
prophets." 

We  have  now,  brethren,  bi'iefly  noticed  the  principal  places  in  holy 
writ,  which  have  been  supposed  to  countenance  the  strivings  of  the 
S}iirit  in  all  men :  and  taking  it  for  granted  that  what  has  been  said 
is  sufficient,  we  shall  now  proceed  to  show  some  Scripture  arguments, 
to  prove  that  the  Holy  Ghost  is  given  to  the  elect  only. 

By  the  good  work  begun  in  the  people  of  God,  (Phil.  i.  6,)  most  un- 
questionably must  be  meant,  the  operations  of  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  in  their  souls.  But  if  so,  how  can  we  be  assured  that  it  will 
be  performed  until  the  day  of  Christ,  if,  according  to  the  above- 
mentioned  sentiment,  this  work  does  not  always  prove  victorious — is 
not  always  completed — yea,  is  absolutely  relinquished  and  the  sub- 
jects of  it  suffered  to  perish  eternally  ?  Surely,  upon  this  hypo- 
thesis, the  apostle's  reasoning  is  very  inconclusive,  and  the  argument 
advanced  with  a  design  to  encourage,  must  have  had  quite  a  contrary 
effect  for  they  would  reply,  How  can  this  be,  when  you  constantly 
assure  us  that  this  work  may  be,  and  often  is,  frustrated  ?  All  evan- 
gelical obedience,  being  the  fruit  arising  from  the  holy  Spirit,  is 
made  the  evidence  of  adoption ;  "  For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the 
Spirit  of  God  are  the  sons  of  God,"  Rom.  viii.  14.  But  in  case  men 
may  possess  the  divine  Spirit,  and  yet  be  lost,  then  the  evidence  of 
adoption  is  vague  and  uncertain;  and  it  follows,  that  the  having  of 


388  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

this  Spirit  in  his  influence  is  no  evidence  at  all,  and  the  reasoning  im- 
pertinent. The  apostle  to  the  Galatians  speaks  of  receiving  the 
Spirit  by  the  hearing  of  faith  (or  the  gospel  which  is  so  called),  Gal. 
iii.  2 ;  but  if  God  ordinarily  uses  the  gospel,  through  which  to  com- 
municate the  gifts  and  graces  of  the  Spirit,  then  every  man  has  not 
the  Spirit,  forasmuch  as  the  gospel  is  withheld  from  many  nations  of 
the  earth.  In  the  epistle  to  the  Romans,  the  having  of  the  Spirit  is 
made  the  criterion  of  belonging  to  Christ,  Rom.  viii.  9,  "If  any 
man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ  he  is  none  of  his."  But  if  every 
man  has  the  Spirit,  it  is  no  criterion  at  all,  or  else  every  man  is  a 
Christian,  an  adopted  child  of  God ;  but  the  apostle,  making  it  a  test 
by  which  to  try  our  standing,  supposes  clearly  that  some  have  not 
the  Spirit  of  Christ,  and  therefore  are  not  his.  The  same  apostle  to 
the  church  of  Corinth,  (1  Cor.  ii.  14,  15,)  draws  a  line  of  distinction 
between  the  natural  and  spiritual  man ;  but  if  all  have  the  Spirit, 
there  can  be  no  distinction ;  in  vain  does  he  talk  of  a  spirit  of  dis- 
cernment in  divine  things,  wherein  they  differ  from  other  men ;  and 
he  must  surely  have  been  mistaken,  when  he  said  the  things  of  the 
Spirit  of  God  are  foolishness  to  such ;  but  if  we  understand  him  as 
making  a  clear  distinction  between  the  believer  and  unbeliever — the 
one  having  the  Spirit  of  God  and  the  other  not — then  there  is  a  beauty 
in  his  reasoning,  and  not  else.  But,  brethren,  it  is  of  no  use  to  mul- 
tiply quotations  in  a  case  so  plain;  we  shall  therefore  only  make  an 
observation  or  two  on  the  following  passages,  and  leave  them  to  your 
meditations.  Paul  to  the  Thes.  iv.  8,  says,  "  Who  also  hath  given 
unto  us  his  holy  Spirit."  John,  in  his  first  epistle  says,  "  Hereby 
we  know  that  he  abideth  in  us,  by  the  Spirit  which  he  hath  given  us," 
(ch.  iii.  24,)  "Hereby know  we  that  we  dwell  in  him  and  he  in  us,  be- 
cause he  hath  given  us  of  his  Spirit,"  (ch.  iv.  13.)  You  will  remark, 
brethren,  that  the  above  are  addressed  to  the  churches  of  Christ  and 
consequently  to  all  believers  composing  them,  and  not  to  men  of  the 
world  at  all.  Now,  when  he  says,  he  hath  given  it  us,  it  is  clearly 
implied,  that  he  has  not  given  it  to  others ;  and  as  our  bodies  are 
temples  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  we  know,  by  the  indwelling  of  the 
Spirit,  our  union  to  Christ ;  therefore,  let  us  never  part  with  this  pre  • 
cious  test  of  an  interest  in  the  favor  of  God.  But  to  crown  all,  and 
to  show  with  certainty,  putting  the  matter  beyond  all  doubt,  that 
every  man  has  not  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  in  Jude  19,  it  is  ex- 
pressly said,  "  These  be  they  who  separate  themselves,  sensual,  hav- 
ing not  the  Spirit." 

We  come  to  show  what  is  effected  by  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  elect, 
all  of  whom  are  effectually  called  to  the  knowledge  of  God  and 
finally  saved.  All  the  elect  are  called  the  mystical  body  of  Christ, 
of  which  he  is  the  Head;  and  it  is  not  only  said  that  the  church 
(complete)  is  the  fulness  of  him  that  filleth  all  things;  but  it  is  also 
affirmed,  that  there  is  a  fulness  in  him.  Col.  i.  19,  out  of  which  all 
his  people  receive  grace  for  grace.  Therefore,  provision  has  been 
made  in  Christ  for  all  that  were  given  to  him;  and  as  they  are  jus- 
tified by  his  blood  and  saved  from  wrath  through  him,  so  also,  by  the 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  389 

holy  Ghost  which  Christ  sheds  forth,  they  are  completely  emancipated 
from  the  tyranny  of  the  prince  of  darkness,  and  made  meet  for  the 
inheritance  among  the  saints  in  light. 

The  first  work,  in  order,  effected  by  the  holy  Spirit,  is  regeneration, 
which  consists  in  an  infusion  of  spiritual  life  into  the  soul.  In  this 
work,  the  creature  is  wholly  passive ;  so  that,  instead  of  doing  any 
thing  of  a  preparatory  nature,  in  order  to  invite  the  Spirit  to  under- 
take and  effect  it,  men,  on  the  contrary,  are  represented  as  "  dead  in 
trespasses  and  sins,"  Eph.  ii.  1,  as  having  hearts  full  of  "  enmity 
against  God,"  Rom.  viii.  7.  From  this  principle,  thus  implanted,  flow 
all  those  holy  affections,  such  as  faith,  hope,  love,  and  humility,  which 
are  usually  denominated  graces  of  the  Spirit,  because  they  originate 
from  him  and  are  all  of  grace.  Notwithstanding  the  spiritual  man,  thus 
begotten,  is  perfect  with  relation  to  parts,  he  is  not  so  in  stature ;  for 
those  graces  become  more  vigorous  under  divine  cultivation,  which 
we  shall  have  occasion  to  notice  hereafter.  This  work  is  instantane- 
ous; some  examples  of  which  we  find  in  the  New  Testament,  as  in 
Paul's  conversion,  that  of  the  jailor,  and  of  the  three  thousand  under 
Peter's  sermon.  Conversion  and  regeneration  are  distinct  from  each 
other,  and  by  no  means  the  same  thing,  and  the  former  is  an  effect 
of  the  latter ;  the  former  being  brought  about  through  the  gospel 
preached  as  means,  whereas  the  latter  is  immediately  from  the  Spirit 
of  God,  without  any  instrument  whatever.  The  divine  Spirit  does, 
by  the  word,  effectually  convince  of  sin,  causing  the  regenerate  soul 
to  loathe  it — makes  known  the  amazing  depths  of  misery  into  which 
it  has  been  plunged  by  the  fall — gives  a  discovery  of  divine  justice  as 
demanding  the  punishment  of  the  guilty;  and  it  is  in  consequence 
of  these  views,  that  so  much  alarm  is  created,  and  such  dreadful  ap- 
prehensions of  divine  wrath  are  felt.  It  is  peculiarly  the  ofiice-work 
of  the  Spirit  to  discover  the  Lord  Jesus,  in  all  his  glory  and  fulness, 
to  such;  "He  shall  take  of  mine  and  show  it  unto  you,"  John  xvi. 
14;  "No  man  can  call  Jesus  Lord,  but  by  the  Holy  Ghost,"  1  Cor. 
xii.  3.  So  that  regenerated  sinners,  beholding  the  plenitude  of  grace 
that  is  in,  Christ,  and  made  sensible  of  their  extreme  need  of  him,  by 
discovering  more  and  more  their  spiritual  poverty  and  weakness,  be- 
ing thus  taught  of  the  Spirit,  they  come  to  Jesus,  John  vi.  45.  A 
soul  deeply  convinced  of  sin,  and  viewing  the  divine  perfections,  would 
BOt  have  courage  sufiicient  to  approach  unto,  God,  were  it  not  for  the 
gracious  promises  in  the  word  to  the  weary  and  heavy  laden;  but  in 
vain  does  the  convinced  sinner  essay  to  take  hold  upon  the  promise, 
until  the  Spirit  of  promise  (Eph.  i.  13)  make  an  application  of  them 
to  him.  How  desirable  is  it  to  experience  a  manifestation  of  divine 
favor,  and  to  enjoy  those  raptures  which  Jehovah  sees  meet  to  be- 
stow on  many  of  his  people  when  first  initiated  into  gospel  liberty ! 
The  apostle  says,  "  the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by 
the  Holy  Ghost  which  is  given  to  us,"  Rom.  v.  5.  Many  are  the 
powerful  temptations  that  assault  us,  so  that  by  reason  of  contend- 
ing passions  for  victory  over  us,  and  the  prince  of  darkness  presenting 
sin  in  its  most  alluring  form,  we  feel  our  weakness  and  frequently 


890  MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

despair  of  making  head  against  them.  But  behold,  we  are  "strength- 
ened with  might  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner  man,"  Eph.  iii.  16.  Yea, 
when  our  way  seems  hedged  up  on  every  side,  so  that  there  seems  no 
way  to  escape,  and  error,  like  a  flood,  carries  all  before  it.  Yet,  says 
the  prophet,  "  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  shall  lift  up  a  standard  against 
the  enemy,"  Isa.  lix.  19.  Mixing  Avith  the  world  and  being  necessa- 
rily engaged  in  temporal  concerns,  we  often  get  into  a  lukewarm 
state  and  experience  spiritual  languor  and  the  consequence,  a  loss 
of  the  sensible  presence  of  God.  But  the  diAdne  Spirit  disengages  us 
from  time-things,  dissipates  our  coldness,  invigorates  our  souls,  and, 
after  showing  us  that  it  is  easier  to  lose  than  to  regain  those  divine 
joys,  transports  us  with  a  view  of  the  unchangeable  love  of  God. 
Having  lost  a  spirit  of  prayer,  so  that  the  heavens  seem  as  brass 
above,  and  the  earth  as  iron  beneath  us,  at  the  same  time  a  preached 
gospel  making  no  impression,  and  the  holy  Scriptures  seeming  like  a 
sealed  book,  this  divine  Spirit  "  helps  our  infirmities  with  groanings 
which  cannot  be  uttered,"  Rom.  viii.  26  :  and  giving  efficacy  to  the 
word  preached  and  read,  we  can  once  more  take  delight  in  public 
and  secret  devotions.  It  is  by  the  agency  of  the  Spirit  our  percep- 
tion of  divine  things  is  enlarged.  It  is  truly  desirable  that  we  should 
not  be  always  children  tossed  to  and  fro  by  the  sleight  of  men,  but 
on  the  contrary  become  acquainted  with  the  mysteries  of  the  gospel 
— be  built  up  in  our  most  holy  faith  and  become  firmly  established 
thererein :  these  favors  are  conferred  by  that  Spirit  which  leads  into 
all  truth,  John  xvi.  13.  An  assurance  of  faith  comes  from  the  di- 
vine Spirit.  Upon  this  assurance  our  comfort  much  depends,  and  as 
there  are  difi"erent  degrees  of  it,  and  each  degree  his  work,  we  ought 
to  remember  with  thankfulness  that  "  the  Spirit  bears  witness  with 
our  spirits  that  we  are  the  children  of  God." 

Lastly :  The  work  of  sanctification  must  be  carried  on  in  us,  in 
conformity  with  which  the  apostle  prays,  (1  Thess.  v.  23,)  that  the 
believers  of  the  church  of  Thessalonica  might  be  sanctified  wholly 
in  "  spirit  and  soul  and  body,"  and  "be  preserved  blameless  unto 
the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'"  This  work  consisteth  in  the 
mortifying  of  our  inbred  corruptions,  so  that  our  sinful  alfections 
become  more  and  more  weakened,  and  we  are  set  apart,  (as  the  sig- 
nification of  the  term  is,)  to  the  service  of  God.  Therefore,  as  this 
work  progresses,  sin  loses  its  dominion  over  us,  (Rom.  vi.  14,)  and 
we  are  made  conformable  to  the  death  of  Christ,  (Phil.  iii.  10,)  the 
"  old  man  is  crucified  with  him,  that  the  body  of  sin  might  be 
destroyed,  that  henceforth  we  should  not  serve  sin,"  (Rom.  vi.  6,)  and 
"  changed  into  the  image  of  the  Lord  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as 
by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,"  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  The  instrument  used 
in  sanctification  is  the  divine  word,  which  has  a  transforming  effect: 
"  Sanctify  them  through  the  truth:  thy  word  is  truth,"  John  xvii.  17; 
"  That  he  might  sanctify  and  cleanse  it  (the  church)  with  the  wash- 
ing of  water,  by  the  word,"  Eph.  v.  26:  the  preaching  and  reading 
of  which,  under  the  influence  of  the  divine  Spirit,  furnishes  such 
powerful  motives  to  obedience,  and  to  forsaking  of  sin, — setting  the 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  891 

one  in  so  abhorrent  a  point  of  view,  and  the  other  in  such  an  amia- 
ble light,  that  the  soul  falls  in  love  with  and  embraces  the  service  of 
God,  and  flees  from  sin  as  the  most  deadly  evil.  Hence  it  is  that 
the  word  has  different  effects,  as  awaking  our  fears,  exciting  our 
hopes,  abounding  with  threatenings,  promises,  warnings,  reproofs, 
expostulations,  exhortations,  tender  and  pathetic  addresses,  lively 
descriptions  of  the  glory  of  the  person  and  offices  of  Christ,  and  of 
the  joys  of  the  heavenly  world ;  all  which,  set  home  upon  the  heart 
by  the  divine  Spirit,  produce  fruit  unto  holiness  and  the  end  ever- 
lasting life.  How  comfortable  must  the  reflection  be  to  the  Chris- 
tian, that  all  the  changes  he  meets  with  in  this  world,  whether  in 
spiritual  or  temporal  things,  are  closely  connected  with  his  sanctifi- 
cation  !  To  this  we  must  attribute  sickness  and  pain,  poverty  and 
disgrace,  personal  and  relative  afilictions,  severe  tempations,  spiritual 
desertion,  trials  which  faith  and  patience  meet  with ;  and,  what 
seems  most  of  all  astonishing,  that  even  their  very  backslidings,  by 
being  made  the  instruments  of  their  correction,  are  made  use  of  by 
the  divine  Spirit,  who  brings  light  out  of  darkness,  order  out  of  con- 
fusion, and  causes  "  all  things  to  work  together  for  good  to  them  that 
love  God,"  (Rom.  viii.  28.)  This  work  of  sanctification  is  not,  like 
regeneration,  instantaneous ;  nor  is  it  perfect  during  life,  but  more 
or  less  of  the  body  of  sin  still  remains ;  but  so  as  that  it  does  not 
reign  over  us,  but  disturbs  our  peace,  and  creates  in  us  much  self- 
abhorrence.  But  the  crowning  work  of  all  is  the  sealing  of  the 
Spirit,  by  which  we  "are  sealed  to  the  day  of  redemption,"  Eph. 
iv.  30.  This  consists  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  calm  and  tranquil  mind, 
waiting  with  composure  for  our  great  change,  and  giving  evidence 
to  others  with  ourselves,  that  we  have  "  a  house  not  made  with  hands 
eternal  in  the  heavens,"  and  having  a  longing  desire  to  be  at  home 
with  the  Lord. 

And  now,  dear  brethren,  having  treated  on  the  office-work  of  the 
Spirit,  and  merely  touched  on  the  most  important  points,  to  help 
your  meditations,  we  close  this  epistle,  by  earnestly  intreating 
you  to  labor  after  a  greater  sense  of  your  need  of  his  influences, 
and  not  to  grieve,  by  an  unholy  life,  this  sanctifying  and  sealing 
Spirit.  And  that  you  may,  under  his  influence,  become  exemplary 
for  purity  of  doctrine,  zeal  in  his  service,  and  uprightness  in  your 
lives,  is  the  sincere  prayer  of  your  brethren  who  represent  you  in 
this  our  associate  capacity. 


Signed  in  behalf  of  the  whole. 


Samuel  Jones,  Moderator. 
William  Staughton,  Clerk. 


392 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


THE   MINISTERS   AND  MESSENGERS  AT  THE   ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

i 
t 

U 

g3 

1 

i 

5 

1 

a 

1 

1 

5 
2 

0 

1^ 

s 

Lower  Dublin, 

'  Samuel  Jones, 
John  Holmes,  T.  Holmes, 

0 

0 

0 

72 

Middletown,t 

Benjamin  Bennet,* 

'  Henry  Smallet, 
Jonathan  Bowen, 
David  Gillman, 
James  Shepherd, 
David  Plats, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

139 

Cohansie, 

Nathan  Shepherd, 
Jeremiah  Brooks, 
Joel  Shepherd, 
Eldad  Cooke, 
David  Shepherd, 

John  Elmer, 

25 

0 

0 

1 

2 

5 

170 

Great  Valley, 

David  Jones, 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

60 

Cape  May,t                 ' 

Jonathan  German, 
Christopher  Smith, 

12 

1 

0 

0 

2 

4 

51 

Hopewell, 

James  Ewing, 
James  Hunt, 

4 

0 

29 

3 

0 

1 

193 

Brandywine, 
Montgomery, 

Joshua  Vaughan, 

16 

0 

1 

1 

0 

0 

104 

Silas  Hough, 

i 

Daniel  Harrar, 

10 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

77 

Kingwood, 

Garner  A.  Hunt, 
David  Stout, 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

84 

Haight's  Town, 

Peter  Wilson, 
John  Jones, 

46 

3 

7 

0 

0 

4 

377 

William  Rogers, 

Philadelphia, 

John  Peckworth, 

1st  church. 

George  IngoUs, 
John  M'Leod, 

.  Heath  Norberry, 

35 

15 

31 

1 

0 

4 

181 

( 

Thomas  B.  Montante, 

Southampton,              < 

William  Magee, 

( 

William  Watts, 

4 

2 

4 

0 

0 

0 

93 

Knowlton,f 
New  Britain, 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
2 

0 
0 

0 
0 

17 

95 

William  White, 

< 

.  Horatio  G.  Jones, 

Salem, 

1  Joseph  Lloyd, 

Dividing  Creek, 

[  William  Walker, 

f 

26 

0 

3 

1 

0 

3 

118 

1  Jonadab  Shepherd, 

[  Hosea  Shepherd, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

58 

New  Mills, 

Alexander  M'Gowan, 

10 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

107 

Upper  Freehold, 
Pittsgrove, 

2 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

75 

r 

I  Josiah  Nichols, 

[  Stanford  Mayhew, 

7 

0 

0 

2 

0 

1 

20 

MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


893 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 

1| 

,■=1 

1 

S3 

i 

^^ 

S 

^ 

« 

s 

Manahawkin, 
Vincent, 

Tuckahoe, 

9 
5 

1 

0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

33 

38 

28 

0 
0 

0 

2 

0 
0 

i  George  Knoll, 

(  James  M'Laughlin,* 

Hilltown, 

<  John  Matthias,  sr.. 

(  John  Matthias,  jr.. 

3 

0 

3 

0 

0 

5 

141 

Jacob's  Town, 

BuRGiss  Allison, 

2 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

60 

Marcus  Hook, 
Roxbury, 

0 
1 

0 
0 

0 

0 

1 

0 
0 

0 

1 

19 
51 

Thomas  Fleeson,* 

0 

West  Creek, 

Peter  Groom, 

1 

0 

0 

0 

1 

1 

48 

Shemokin,t 

John  Patten,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

96 

Amwell, 
Burlington, 

Mount  Holly, 

8 
18 
26 

1 

3 
1 

1 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 

1 

1 

65 
52 
76 

f  William  Staughton, 
1  John  Fisher, 

0 

2 

\[  Jesse  Cox, 

Dover,  York  county, 

Philadelphia, 
2d  church. 

4 

25 

1 
5 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

2 
0 

22 
50 

<  John  Ellis, 

(  Cornelius  TrimmuU, 

Hopewell, 
2cl  church. 

( 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

28 

\  Daniel  Drake, 

305 

35 

89 

13 

5 

37 

2898 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers 
in  italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked  thus  f 
received  no  intelligence.      A  dash  denotes  no  settled  minister. 


Among  the  number  of  our  deceased  this  year,  we  have  the  afflic- 
tion to  class  our  venerable  and  beloved  Brethren  Joshua  Jones,  of 
the  church  at  Montgomery,  and  Thomas  Ustick,  of  Philadelphia. 
The  former  slept  in  Jesus,  December  26,  1802,  aged  82,  after  being 
engaged  in  his  Master's  service  about  50  years  ;  the  latter,  April  18, 
1803,  in  his  50th  year,  and  after  laboring  30  years  in  the  same  glo- 
rious cause.     "Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord  !" 

The  Rev.  John  Boggs,  sen.,  late  of  our  Association,  finished  his 
course  this  year,  in  the  63d  year  of  his  age,  and  in  the  27th  of  his 
ministry. 


50 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

held,  by  appointment,  at  philadelphia,  october 
2d,  3d,  and  4th, 

180-1. 


October  2d. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Brother  James  M'Laughlin 
preached  the  introductory  sermon,  from  Heb.  i.  13,  "  But  to  which 
of  the  angels  said  he  at  any  time,  sit  on  my  right  hand,  until  I  make 
thine  enemies  thy  footstool." 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother 
Samuel  Jones,  when  Brother  William  White  was  chosen  moderator, 
and  Brother  Silas  Hough,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  thirty-two  churches  were  read. 
Brother  Daniel  Dodge  prayed. 

Adjourned  until  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
October  3d,  nine  o'clock,  a.  m. — Met  pui'suant  to  adjoui'nment. 
The  moderator  prayed. 

4.  Brethren  Thomas  G.  Jones  and  Isaac  Eaton  being  present,  were 
invited  to  seats  with  us. 

The  church,  constituted  in  the  year  past  at  Blockley  in  Phila- 
delphia county,  applied  for  admission  into  this  Association,  which 
was  freely  granted,  after  they  had  given  full  satisfaction  as  to  their 
faith  and  practice. 

6.  Received  corresponding  letters  and  minutes  from  the  following 
Associations,  viz. : — from  the  Warwick,  letter  and  minutes,  by  their 
messenger  Luke  Davis;  from  the  Delaware,  letter  and  minutes,  by 
their  messenger  Daniel  Dodge ;  from  the  New  York,  letter  and 
minutes,  by  their  messengers  William  Vanhorn  and  Peter  Bryant ; 
from  the  Charleston,  letter  and  minutes;  from  Danbury,  letter 
and  minutes ;  from  the  Miami,  a  letter  but  no  minutes ;  and 
from  the  Skaftsbury,  letters  and  minutes  for  the  years  1803 
and  1804. 

7.  After  reading  the  circular  letter,  Brethren  Samuel  Jones, 
Thomas  B.  Montanye,  and  Henry  Smalley,  together  with  Burgiss 
Allison,  the  author,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  revise  it. 

Brother  Bryant  prayed. 
Adjourned  to  thi'ee  o'clock. 
^394) 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  395 

Three  o'clock,  p.  M. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother 
Carlise  prayed. 

8.  The  following  brethren  are  appointed  to  write  to  the  corres- 
ponding Associations: — Joseph  Mathias,  to  the  Delaware;  Isaac 
Eaton,  to  the  New  York ;  Carlile,  to  the  Shaftsbury ;  Peckworth,  to 
the  Charleston ;  Hedger,  to  the  Warren ;  Zebulon  Holmes,  to  the 
AVarwick ;  Samuel  B.  Harris,  to  the  Danburj ;  and  Allison,  to  the 
Miami. 

9.  Appointed  messengers  to  our  corresponding  Associations.  Breth- 
ren J.  M'Laughlin,  Joshua  Vaughan,  and  John  Peckworth,  to  the 
Delaware ;  Peter  Wilson,  James  M'Laughlin,  and  John  Butter,  to  the 
New  York. 

10.  Query  from  the  first  Philadelphia  church:  "Should  not  the 
supplies  for  our  destitute  churches,  and  our  messengers  to  our  sister 
Associations,  with  all  other  committees  which  may  be  appointed  by 
the  Association,  make  report  to  the  Association  succeeding,  that  the 
Association  may  ascertain  whether  or  not  their  engagements  have 
been  complied  with  ?" 

To  this  query  the  Association  answer  in  the  aflBrmative. 

11.  Brethren  M'Laughlin  and  H.  G.  Jones  are  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  letters  and  minutes  of  the  corresponding  As- 
sociations, and  make  report  of  such  facts  as  particularly  concern  us. 

12.  Collected  for  the  education  fund : 

At  Lower  Dublin,  -  -  ■  ■ 

Cohansie,         ------ 

Brandjwine,  -  -  -  -  - 

Montgomery,  -  -  .  .  _ 

Ilaight's  Town,  .  -  .  - 

First  Philadelphia,      ----- 

Southampton,         ----- 

Salem,  ------ 

§84  37 

13.  This  Association,  aware  of  the  great  benefits  arising  from  a 
regular  contribution  of  the  churches  to  the  education  fund,  do  here- 
by most  aftectionately  recommend  its  continuance. 

14.  Collected  for  the  mission  fund: 

At  Cohansie,  ----- 

First  Hopewell,  -  .  .  -  - 

Montgomery,  -  .  -  -  - 

Haight's  Town,  .  -  -  -  - 

First  Philadelphia,  -  -  -  . 

New  Britain,  -  -  -  -  - 

Salem,       -  -  -  .  .  . 

Hilltown,  --..-- 

Roxbury,  -  -  -  -  - 

$121  28 

The  circular  letter,  being  approved  by  the  committee,  was  adopted 
by  the  Association. 

16.  Resolved,  That  the  future  collections  for  the  education  fund, 


§12  73 

10  00 

2  18 

4  00 

6  00 

23  96 

10  50 

15  00 

$6  00 

7  27 

6  00 

4  00 

57  30 

4  00 

12  50 

4  00 

20  21 

896  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

be  applied  to  discliarge  the  debts  contracted  b^  borrowing  from  that 
fund,  for  the  prosecution  of  the  suit  against  the  executors  of  Silas 
Hart,  late  of  Virginia,  deceased. 

17.  The  query  from  the  Great  Valley  is  laid  over  till  next  Asso- 
ciation, when  it  shall  be  taken  up,  provided  that  church  sees  proper 
to  renew  it. 

Brother  Luke  Davis  prayed. 

Adjourned  to  eleven  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  Vanhorn,  from  2  Cor.  v.  20, 
"  Now  then  we  are  ambassadors  from  Christ,  as  though  God  did 
beseech  you  by  us :  we  pray  you  in  Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled 
to  God." 

October  4th,  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

18.  Supplies  for  Frankford,  Manahawkin,  Hill  Town,  Upper  Free- 
hold, and  Pittsgrove. 

19.  The  corresponding  letters  were  read  and  approved. 
Brother  Vanhorn  prayed. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  M. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother 
Wilson  prayed. 

20.  Brother  Hough  is  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter  for 
next  year. 

21.  Brother  Thomas  B.  Montanye  is  appointed  to  preach  the  in- 
troductory sermon ;  and  in  case  of  failure.  Brother  Horatio  G. 
Jones. 

22.  It  is  recommended  that  the  quarterly  prayer  meetings  be  con- 
tinued as  heretofore,  excepting  the  day  in  October.  Instead  of 
meeting  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  we  recommend  the  Friday 
preceding;  but  the  other  days  to  be  observed  as  formerly  recom- 
mended. 

23.  Brother  Samuel  B.  Harris,  who  has  been  licensed  to  preach 
by  the  Baptist  church  at  Cohansie,  made  appHcation  to  the  Associa- 
tion for  assistance  from  the  education  fund,  to  help  him  in  his  learn- 
ing. It  is  therefore  agreed,  that  Brother  Samuel  B.  Harris  shall 
have  the  interest  of  the  fund  for  two  years,  to  assist  him  in  his 
education. 

24.  Agreed,  that  Mr.  Stephen  C.  Ustick  print  the  minutes ;  and 
that  Brother  Allison  be  requested  to  superintend  the  printing,  and, 
in  conjunction  with  the  printer,  to  distribute  them  to  the  churches 
and  corresponding  Associations. 

The  Association  is  appointed  to  meet,  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  Oc- 
tober, 1805,  in  Philadelphia ;  but,  in  case  of  any  malignant  disorder 
prevailing  in  that  city,  at  New  Britain,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Closed  with  prayer  by  the  moderator. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  D.  Dodge,  from  Rom.  i.  16,  "  For 
I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ." 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  397 

CIRCULAR    LETTER. 

BY  REV.  BURGISS  ALLISON'. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Association, 

To  the  churches  they  represent,  send  Christian  salutation. 

Dearly  beloved  in  the  Lord, — It  is  with  gratitude  to  the  Supreme 
Head  of  the  church,  through  whose  superintending  providence  we 
have  been  favored  with  another  interview  in  an  associated  capacity, 
that  we  have  the  happiness  in  announcing  to  you  the  general  har- 
mony which  has  subsisted  among  us  during  our  deliberations. 

For  information  respecting  the  prosperity  of  Zion,  in  the  enlarge- 
ment of  her  borders,  by  additions  to  our  churches  within  the  last 
year,  we  refer  you  to  our  minutes  hereto  annexed. 

From  year  to  year  you  have  been  addressed  upon  subjects  of  the 
highest  importance  by  our  letters  ;  and  as  we  feel  no  less  anxious 
now  than  formerly  to  promote  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  churches 
with  whom  we  are  connected,  in  particular,  as  well  as  the  interest  of 
the  Redeemer's  kingdom  in  general,  we  have  been  solicitous  to  select 
a  subject  which  has  been  less  frequently  discussed,  though  not  less 
important  than  many  others  upon  which  you  have  been  addressed  in 
the  course  of  our  epistolary  correspondence  with  you.  We  know  that 
no  means  can  become  eifectual  without  the  blessing  of  God ;  but,  with 
the  benign  influence  of  his  grace,  the  smallest  efi"ort  will  be  crowned 
with  success.  Important  are  the  doctrines  of  grace  with  which  it 
behoves  you  to  be  acquainted ;  various  are  the  divine  truths  necessary 
to  be  exhibited  to  the  Christian's  view,  and  many  are  the  duties  re- 
quisite to  be  inculcated  and  warmly  recommended  to  practice.  As 
occasion  and  circumstances  occur,  and  as  the  unerring  Spirit  of  wis- 
dom directs,  we  should  press  one  and  another  of  those  doctrines  and 
duties  upon  your  notice,  that  we  may  stir  up  your  pure  minds  by  way 
of  remembrance. 

The  subject  to  which  we  would  invite  your  serious  attention  at  this 
time,  is  Prayer.  That  we  may  be  the  more  fully  able  to  perform  this 
incumbent  duty  with  acceptance  to  God,  and  comfort  to  ourselves, 
and  that  we  way  learn  rightly  to  appreciate  its  exalted  worth,  and 
blessed  effects,  we  shall  endeavor  to  consider, 

First,  the  nature  of  prayer. 

Secondly,  the  seasons  for  prayer. 

Thirdly,  the  importance  of  prayer,  and 

Lastly,  the  incentives  to  prayer. 

In  defining  the  nature  of  prayer,  taken  in  a  religious  point  of 
view,  we  would  call  it  an  intercourse  between  God  and  man,  or  an 
address  from  the  needy  creature  to  the  independent  and  bountiful 
Creator,  Preserver,  and  Redeemer,  respecting  what  the  creature  hath 
either  received,  or  whatever  he  may  need  for  time  or  eternity — for 
grace  or  glory. 

As  prayer  is  addressed  to  the  Omniscient  Jehovah,  who  is  the 
searcher  of  hearts  and  trier  of  reins,  (Psalm  vii.  9  ;  Jer.  xi.  28  ;)  who 
looketh  not  at  the  outside  appearance,  but  at  the  heart,  (1  Sam.  xvi. 
7 ;)  so  it  is  the  language  of  the  heart  which  is  to  be  addressed  to  God 


398  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

in  prayer.  Nevertheless,  prayer  is  not  always  to  be  confined  to  the 
secret  elevation  of  tlie  soul  in  ejaculations ;  but  our  mental  exercises 
are  to  be  at  proper  seasons  expressed  in  an  audible  language :  and 
that  language  should  be  framed  with  propriety,  decorum,  and  rever- 
ence. Propriety  of  language  should  be  adopted,  both  as  it  regards 
the  dignity  of  the  Being  addressed,  and  the  comprehension  of  those 
■who  unite  in  this  duty,  when  one  becomes  a  mouth  for  the  rest. 

But  let  it  be  remembered,  that  a  prayer,  composed  of  the  best 
form  of  words  and  most  elegant  diction,  which  is  not  accompanied 
by  true  internal  devotion,  is  less  acceptable  to  a  prayer-hearing 
God,  than  the  humble  groan  or  fervent  desire  of  a  broken  and  con- 
trite heart,  though  expressed  in  language  the  most  plain  and  un- 
adorned. Hence  our  Lord  accuseth  the  hypocritical  Pharisees, 
"  This  people  dravveth  nigh  unto  me  with  their  mouths,  and  honoreth 
me  with  their  lips,  but  their  heart  is  far  from  me,"  Matt.  xv.  8. 
Let  no  one,  then,  be  discouraged  from  attempting  the  performance 
of  this  duty,  from  a  conscious  deficiency  in  point  of  diction,  or 
apprehension  of  inability  to  express  himself  in  appropriate  language : 
for  if  that  humble  address  of  the  publican,  "  God  be  merciful  to  me 
a  sinner,"  is  put  up  in  sincerity,  it  will  ascend  to  heaven  as  an  in- 
cense of  sweeter  savour  than  the  boasted  perfection  of  the  Pharisee, 
decorated  in  all  the  flowers  of  rhetoric.  Propriety  of  language, 
however,  is  commendable,  and  is  what  we  should  endeavor  to  attair^, 
especially  in  imitating  the  example  given  us  in  God's  word,  where 
the  aspirations  of  his  people  are  recorded,  and  furnish  us  with  a 
specimen  of  that  style  of  address  which  doubtless  meets  the  divine 
approbation  ;  the  Iloly  Ghost  having  inspired  it,  and  influenced  the 
writers  thereof  to  leave  it  on  record  for  our  imitation. 

Although  we  address  God  in  specific  language,  we  do  not  infer 
from  hence  that  he  is  unacquainted  with  our  wants :  on  the  contrary, 
he  knoweth  what  we  need  before  we  ask  ;  yea,  he  is  perfectly  ac- 
quainted with  each  particular  of  our  address,  before  it  is  conceived 
in  our  minds  or  uttered  with  our  lips ;  yet  he  saith  he  will  be  sought 
unto  by  the  house  of  Israel  for  all  these  things.  He  Avhose  eyes 
are  over  the  whole  earth,  and  who  is  omnipotent  as  well  as  omnis- 
cient, can  assuredly  supply  all  the  wants  of  his  people  unasked,  and 
bestow  his  benefits  unsought :  but  this  is  not  the  method  of  his  grace. 
He  hath  annexed  a  blessing  to  even  the  means  of  attaining  the  end 
sought :  for  we  should  not  be  in  a  suitable  disposition  for  receiving 
his  favors,  were  we  not  in  a  praying  frame  and  temper  of  mind  :  and 
hence  we  experience  a  sweetness  in  performing  the  duty. 

Our  address  should  be  performed  also  with  decorum.  In  order 
to  attend  to  a  due  decorum  in  our  addresses  to  God,  it  is  proper  that 
some  attention  shoiild  be  paid  to  the  order  thereof.  That  which 
has  been  more  generally  adopted  by  many  eminently  pious  children 
^f  God,  in  sometliing  like  the  following,  viz  :  Adoration,  Confession^ 
Petition,  and  Thanksgiving. 

Prayer,  literally  speaking,  is  undoubtedly  confined  to  petition  ; 
ut  as  we  have  considered  it,  in  a  theological  and  scriptural  view, 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  399 

to  be  an  intercourse  between  the  Creator  and  creature,  or  an  adrlresg 
from  man  to  God  in  a  general  sense,  it  may  with  propriety  comprise 
the  parts  assigned  to  it.  In  our  addresses  to  God,  adoration  is  un- 
questionably the  most  suitable  exordium.  With  what  profound 
reverence,  with  what  humble  adoration  should  a  worm  of  the  earth 
approach  the  great  I  am  ;  should  a  being  of  yesterday,  whose  foun- 
dation is  in  the  dust,  draw  near  the  eternal  Jehovah,  the  exalted 
majesty  of  heaven ! 

Let  us,  then,  approach  him  with  expressions  of  admiration  and 
reverential  awe  :  with  acknowledgments  of  his  uncreated  excellen- 
cies and  boundless  perfections.  By  such  reflections  and  such 
acknowledged  sentiments  of  the  attributes  and  perfections  of  the 
ever-blessed  God,  we  shall  acquire  a  reverence  of  sentiment,  a  so- 
lemnity of  mind  and  humility  of  soul,  more  suited  to  the  character 
which  we  justly  sustain  of  guilty  and  self-condemned  criminals,  at 
the  footstool  of  an  ofi'ended  Judge,  ready  to  make  a  confession  of 
our  guilt.  It  is  true,  the  omniscient  Jehovah  is  fully  acquainted 
with  our  most  secret  sins  before  we  acknowledge  them ;  for  he 
knoweth  our  out-going  and  our  in-coming,  our  up-rising,  and  our 
down-sitting ;  he  compasseth  our  path  about,  and  is  fully  acquainted 
with  all  our  ways :  none  can  conceal  his  oft'ences  under  the  cover  of 
night  or  a  mantle  of  secrecy,  for  darkness  and  light  are  both  alike 
to  him.  Yet  a  soul  under  a  sense  of  guilt,  and  conscious  of  the 
aggravation  of  his  transgressions,  feels  a  relief  in  unbosoming  him- 
self to  his  God,  and  in  pouring  out  his  soul  in  confession  of  his 
iniquities.  Such  ingenuous  and  unreserved  acknowledgments  are 
also  acceptable  to  God, — as  Prov.  xxviii.  13,  Psalm  xxxii.  5, — besides 
which  passages,  there  are  many  examples  in  the  sacred  Scriptures 
of  the  confession  of  God's  people,  recorded  for  our  sakes,  both  as 
an  argument  in  favor  of  the  propriety  and  necessity  of  this  part  of 
our  address,  and  as  an  incitement  to  our  imitation.  Confession  may 
not  only  be  said  to  include  self-accusation  of  guilt,  but  also  an 
acknowledgment  of  our  helpless  and  needy  condition ;  each  of  which 
paves  the  way  to  a  deprecation  of  divine  displeasure  on  account  of 
sin,  and  to  an  earnest  request  for  a  supply  of  needful  blessings; 
both  comprised  in  that  part  denominated  petition. 

Under  what  we  call  petition,  may  properly  be  included  depreca- 
tion of  the  anger  of  God  against  our  sins,  and  punishment  as  the 
just  demerit  thereof,  inasmuch  as  this  is  included  in  our  petition  for 
mercy.  Hence  a  soul  approaching  God  in  prayer,  after  a  humble 
confession,  will  earnestly  plead  for  the  pardon  of  his  sins,  so  offensive 
to  God,  and  which  appear  so  heinous  in  his  own  eyes,  and  will  sup- 
plicate a  deliverance  from  that  punishment  which  he  knows  they  have 
.justly  merited.  As  all  the  miseries,  to  which  in  this  life  we  are 
liable,  are  the  consequences  of  sin,  so  in  deprecating  sin  with  its 
effects,  we  shall  pray  to  be  delivered  from  the  reigning  power,  and 
even  inheritance  of  sin ;  the  darkness  of  our  minds  and  the  tempta- 
tions of  Satan. 

Added  to  these  are  other  petitions  for  mercies  and  benefits  which 


400  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

we  know  we  need  from  his  hand,  in  which  are  included  the  comfort^ 
and  blessings  pertaining  to  this  life,  all  which  should  he  requested 
with  becoming  deference  to  the  di\'ine  will.  Blessings  of  a  spiritual 
nature,  as  the  sanctifying  influence  of  his  Spirit  to  fit  us  for  the  en- 
joyment of  God  in  glory,  are  such  as  the  knowledge  and  feelings  of 
the  Christian  will  dictate  to  him.  Some  are  in  the  habit  of  particu- 
larizing, and  entering  into  the  minutiae  of  every  want,  every  circum- 
stance, and  every  concern ;  but  such  extreme  minuteness  does  not 
seem  necessary,  nor  is  it  enjoined  in  the  word  of  God. 

Although  we  do  not  deem  it  indispensable  at  all  times  to  follow 
verbatim,  that  form  which  our  Lord  gave  his  disciples,  proAdded  we 
include  in  our  addresses  the  substance  of  it ;  yet  we  think  it  exhibits 
so  much  of  the  nature  of  prayer,  as  to  inform  us,  that  neither  a  par- 
ticular enumeration  of  every  want,  or  petition  of  every  desire  is  re- 
quisite ;  and  that  the  protraction  of  our  prayer  to  an  immoderate 
length,  is  not  sanctioned  by  that  comprehensive,  concise  form.  Our 
Lord,  indeed,  expressly  condemns  the  Pharisees  for  their  long 
prayers,  and  mistaken  supposition  that  they  would  be  heard  for  their 
much  speaking.  We  would,  however,  be  delicate  on  this  subject,  and 
avoid  the  other  extreme,  lest  we  quench  the  Spirit  by  a  suppression  of 
holy  desires,  where  the  spirit  of  prayer  is  poured  out  in  an  extraor- 
dinary manner. 

With  all  our  wants,  all  our  deficiencies,  which  so  amply  furnish  us 
with  matter  for  petition,  we  have  also  received  much  from  the  Lord's 
hand,  for  •which  we  are  bound  to  be  thankful :  so  that  the  surplusage 
of  our  enjoyments  is  far  above  our  sufferings.  We  shall,  therefore, 
consider  thanksgiving  as  a  necessary  part  of  our  address  to  God. 

When  we  reflect  upon  God  as  the  self-sufiicient  and  self-dependent 
Jehovah,  who  needeth  not  the  services  or  praises  of  his  creatures  to 
make  him  happy :  that  no  essential  glory  can  be  added  to  him  who  is 
glorious  in  holiness  and  fearful  in  praises,  who  is  the  very  abstract 
of  perfection  and  essence  of  glory ;  it  would  seem  as  though  the  as- 
criptions of  praise  from  our  polluted  lips  were  an  indignity  offered 
to  the  High  and  Holy  One  :  but  that  we  may  not  be  discouraged  from 
engaging  in  this  important  duty,  we  are  exhorted  in  God's  word  to 
praise  him,  and  to  render  thanksginng  to  his  great  and  holy  name, 
Psalm  ciii.  1,  2 :  as  also  in  various  other  passages. 

Although  we  cannot  add  to  the  essential  glory  of  God,  it  is  our 
indispensable  duty,  declaratively  to  glorify  him.  By  such  exercises 
we  excite  each  other  to  those  sentiments  of  gratitude,  acknowledg- 
ment of  our  obligations,  and  grateful  sensibiUties  for  favors  received, 
as  will  burst  forth  in  pathetic  expressions  of  thankfulness.  There  is 
no  Christian,  but  who,  upon  the  least  reflection,  or  under  the  exer- 
cise of  gracious  affections,  must  ever  glow  with  gratitude  to  the  Om- 
niscient and  Bountiful  Giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  for  the 
loving-kindness  and  tender  mercies  wherewith  he  hath  crowned  our 
lives,  both  in  the  dispensations  of  his  grace  toward  us,  in  mercies  un- 
sought by  us,  early  provided  in  the  covenant  of  grace,  and  in  answers 
to  our  petitions. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHII^DELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  401 

Although  in  the  preceding  remarks  we  have  in  general  considered 
prayer  as  addressed  to  the  most  high  God ;  yet  it  may  not  be  impro- 
per to  treat  more  particularly  the  object  of  prayer. 

The  only  and  proper  object  of  prayer  is  God  the  Father,  Son,  and 
Spirit,  the  ever  adorable  Trinity. 

The  mode  of  address  which  is  more  generally  adopted  in  the  Scrip- 
tures, is  to  the  Father,  through  the  Son,  and  by  the  aid  of  the  Spirit. 
"VVe  know  that  in  our  sinful  condemned  state,  as  outcasts  from  God, 
we  cannot  approach  him  as  an  absolute  God :  that  there  is  no  me- 
dium of  access  but  one,  and  that  is  through  the  mediation  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Our  Lord  says,  expressly,  "  no  man  can  come 
unto  the  Father  but  by  me."  He  hath  opened  the  way  to  the  throne 
of  grace,  in  which  we  may  approach  with  humble  boldness  and  our 
prayers  ascend  as  an  acceptable  sacrifice,  perfumed  with  the  incense 
of  the  New  Testament  Altar.  But  it  doth  not  appear,  that  all  our 
addresses  are. to  be  confined  to  the  Father  personally,  as  we  are  fur- 
nished with  examples  of  personal  addresses  to  the  Son.  There  have  been 
some,  who  strenuously  opposed  the  propriety  of  making  our  addresses 
to  any  but  the  Father  in  particular  ;  but  if  the  martyr  Stephen,  when 
filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  when  he  saw  the  heavens  opened  and 
Jesus  standing  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  could  call  upon  our  Lord, 
saying,  "Lord  Jesus  receive  my  Spirit,"  we  ought  not  to  be  scrupu- 
lous, or  fearful  of  following  such  an  illustrious  example.  That  in  the 
primitive  church  it  was  customary  to  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  we  learn  from  Acts  ix.  14;  chap.  iv.  24;  chap.  xxix.  30; 
Rev.  xxii.  20. 

From  the  many  instances  afibrded  in  the  holy  Scriptures  of  prayer 
offered  to  the  second  Person  in  the  adorable  Trinity,  we  infer  that 
•the  Spirit,  the  third  Person,  the  same  in  essence  with  the  Father  and 
the  Son,  equal  in  power  and  glory,  and  equally  concerned  in  the 
work  of  Kedemption,  is  an  object  of  religious  worship:  and  that 
occasional  invocations  of  the  divine  Paraclete  are  admissible.  If  in 
our  doxologies  we  offer  distinct  adoration  to  the  holy  Spirit,  we  may 
with  the  same  propriety  ofter  to  him  occasional  petitions.  In  follow- 
ing, however,  our  sacred  guide,  the  word  of  God,  we  shall  be  led  to 
imitate  the  examples  therein,  of  more  generally  addressing  the 
Father,  for  the  sake  of  the  Son,  through  the  influence  of  the  Spirit, 
and  thus  worship  the  Triune  God. 

In  farther  illustrating  the  nature  of  prayer,  we  may  consider  the 
qualifications  requisite  in  the  petitioner  to  enable  him  to  pray  with 
profit. 

By  qualifications,  we  do  not  mean  inherent  qualities  or  personal 
merit,  to  entitle  us  to  an  answer  to  our  prayers,  since  all  our  answers 
must  come  through  the  merit  of  Christ  alone ;  but  such  qualifications 
as  are  imparted  by  the  Holy  Spirit  : — A  knowledge  of  God  and 
ourselves — a  knowledge  of  God  in  Christ  reconciling  the  world  unto 
himself — a  knowledge  of  God,  as  willing  to  receive  and  hear  all 
that  come  to  him  by  Christ — a  knowledge  of  God  as  one  who  is 
mighty  to  save,  even  to  the  uttermost — a  knowledge  of  ourselves, 

51 


402  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

as  poor,  sinful,  hell-deserving  creatures — of  ourselves  as  needy, 
helpless  and  dependent  creatures. 

Another  requisite  qualification  is  a  trust  in  God,  through  faith  in 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Again,  "  And  this  is  the  confidence  that 
we  have  in  him,  that,  if  we  ask  any  thing  according  to  his  will,  he 
heareth  us,"&c.,  1  John  v.  14,  15.  This  trust  must  be  grounded 
on  the  promises  contained  in  the  word,  and  encouragement  given 
therein. 

Another  excellent  qualification  is  the  spirit  of  prayer,  by  which, 
we  not  only  mean  a  readiness  of  conception  and  aptness  of  expres- 
sion in  prayer,  but  also  those  gracious  aids  of  the  Spirit,  by  which 
we  are  enabled  to  approach  God  in  a  becoming  manner,  and  with 
comfort  to  our  own  souls.  "The  Spirit  helpethour  infirmities,  for  we 
know  not  how  to  pray  as  we  ought;  but  the  Spirit  itself  maketh 
intercession  for  us  with  groanings  which  cannot  be  uttered,"  Rom. 
viii.  26. 

Prayer,  to  be  acceptable  to  God,  must  be  made  with  submission 
to  his  will,  i.  e.  according  to  his  word.  In  our  petitions  for  a  supply 
of  our  many  wants,  especially  in  such  things  as  are  of  a  temporal 
nature,  we  ought  not  to  be  peremptory,  as  we  know  not  what  will  be 
for  our  advantage,  as  it  is  said,  "  Ye  ask  and  ye  receive  not,  be- 
cause ye  ask  amiss."  As  God  is  infinitely  Avise  and  knows  what 
will  promote  our  real  good,  we  should  always  ask  with  submission 
to  his  holy  will.  In  such  things  as  tend  to  his  own  glory,  we  may 
be  more  importunate,  as  they  are  always  according  to  his  will : 
which  comprehends  whatsoever  is  contained  in  his  promises,  and 
expressed  in  his  requirements.  We  cannot  be  too  earnest  in  our 
supplications,  for  a  greater  abhorrence  of  sin,  for  a  more  ardent 
love  to  God,  a  more  fervent  desire  after  holiness,  and  a  growing 
conformity  to  his  image  :  far  more  of  a  submissive  acquiescence  in 
all  the  dispensations  of  his  providence,  and  a  firm  reliance  on  his 
word. 

Secondly  :  Having  touched  upon  some  of  the  important  points 
connected  with   the  nature   of  prayer,  we  proceed  to   consider  the 

SEASONS  of  PKAYER. 

Although  we  are  exhorted  to  "  pray  without  ceasing,"  yet  we 
conceive  there  are  some  seasons  more  peculiarly  adapted  to  this 
duty. 

The  first  which  we  shall  notice,  are  public  seasons,  in  the  great 
congregation,  or  when  people  are  assembled  for  public  Avorship, 
(Zach.  viii.  20,  21;  Luke  xxiv.  53.)  At  such  seasjons  all  are  not  to 
pray  audibly,  or  express  their  feelings  indiscriminately  ;  for  this 
would  produce  confusion  and  tumult :  but  the  minister,  whose  duty 
it  is  to  oflficiate  on  the  occasion,  should  be  a  mouth  for  the  people  to 
God,  with  whom  they  may  join  mentally.  For  the  minister  to 
address  the  throne  of  grace  previous  to  his  commencing  his  dis- 
course, is  both  a  duty  and  a  privilege,  as  it  respects  not  only  himself, 
but  the  people  also  :  that  he  may  receive  assistance,  and  a  blessing 
attend  the  word, — which  part  of  worship  has  a  tendency  to  promote 


MIXUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  403 

a  solemnity  of  mind  in  the  audience,  and  to  fit  tliem  to  hear  the 
word  with  profit.  Nor  is  it  less  a  duty  to  subjoin  an  address  at  the 
conclusion  of  the  discourse. 

Another  season  for  prayer  is  when  the  church  of  Christ  is  con- 
vened, or  in  an  assembly  of  the  saints  in  social  worship,  (Acts  i.  14  ; 
chap.  ii.  42.)  -'In  such  societies  it  appears  a  duty  for  the  difi"erent 
male  members  to  exercise  their  gifts  in  prayer  alternately,  as  this 
tends  greatly  to  promote  a  growth  in  grace,  and  improvement  in  the 
g  f t  of  prayer,  and  to  discover  to  the  church  such  gifts  as  may  be 
likely  to  become  useful  in  the  ministry. 

Domestic  worship,  or  family  prayer,  is  likewise  a  duty  which 
ought  to  be  performed  in  the  families  of  all  such  as  have  professed 
to  put  on  Christ.  Many  arguments  might  be  adduced  to  enforce 
this  duty ;  but  suflice  it  to  say,  that  the  good  example  and  salutary 
influence  of  such  a  practice,  shoidd  be  a  sufficient  inducement. 
Every  Christian  to  Avhom  the  Lord  hath  given  children,  has,  no 
doubt,  a  fervent  desire  that  they  should  be  brought  to  a  saving 
acquaintance  with  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  What  influence 
their  example  may  have  in  an  uniform  attendance  on  the  duties  of 
family  worship  they  cannot  tell,  but  have  great  reason  to  hope  for  a 
happy  result :  as  the  first  soul  exercises  of  many  young  people  have 
had  their  rise  under  the  influence  of  domestic  devotion. 

Public  prayer,  however,  is  not  to  be  considered  as  a  substitute  for 
piivate  or  closet  devotion :  this  is  an  important  part  of  the  Chris- 
ti;in's  exercise,  "  But  thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy  closet ; 
and  when  thou  hast  shut  thy  door,  pray  to  thy  Father  which  is  in 
secret,  and  thy  Father  which  seeth  in  secret  will  reward  thee  openly," 
]\Iatt.  vi.  6.  Here  the  Christian  can  unrestrainedly  pour  out  his  soul 
before  his  God ;  here  he  can  confess  his  sins,  and  plead  for  forgive- 
ness through  the  merits  of  Christ.  This,  indeed,  is  a  great  and  pre- 
cious privilege,  but  such  devotions  should  in  reality  be  in  secret, 
agreeably  to  our  Lord's  directions ;  to  enter  into  the  closet  and  shut 
the  door ;  not  to  go  on  the  house  top,  or  in  an  exposed  apartment ; 
not  to  elevate  the  voice  in  such  manner  as  to  become  audible  to  the 
neighborhood,  as  this  savors  too  much  of  hypocrisy,  and  the  practice 
of  the  Pharisees  which  our  Lord  condemns. 

Those  seasons  for  prayer  which  the  examples  in  the  Scripture  more 
particularly  sanction,  and  which  the  nature  of  the  duty  seems  to 
point  out,  are,  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  other  stated  periods  of  wor- 
ship ;  in  the  performance  of  domestic  prayer,  the  morning  and  the 
evening  seem  proper,  to  which  David  also  adds  the  noon,  "  In  the 
evening  and  morning  and  noon  will  I  pray  and  call  aloud,  and  he 
shall  hear  my  voice,"  Psalm  Iv.  17.  The  evening  calls  for  thankful- 
ness for  protection  through  the  day,  and  supplication  for  support 
through  the  night.  The  morning  again  renews  our  obligations  for 
protecting  providence  through  the  silent  watches,  while  nature  de- 
mands the  refreshment  of  sleep  for  our  bodies,  whilst  our  senses  ara 
locked  up,  and  the  vigilant  eye  closed  in  darkness.  When  we  con- 
sider our  proneuess  to  neglect,  and  forgetfulness  of  our  duties,  the 


404  MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

advantage  of  having  stated  periods  foi'  the  performance  of  them,  tlint 
thus  impressed,  our  memories  may  not  let  them  slip,  is  obvious  to  every 
reflecting  mind. 

But  our  stated  periods  for  public  devotion  or  private  retirement  for 
prayer,  ought  not  to  interfere  ivith  occasional  duties.  There  are  many 
occurrences,  many  exercises  or  peculiar  circumstances,  -uhich  may 
call  for  our  special  application  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Besides  the 
actual  retirement  to  our  closets,  that  there  we  may  in  more  humble 
position,  or  energetic  effusions,  pour  out  our  desires  before  God,  vre 
also  enjoy  the  privilege  of  frequently  raising  our  souls  to  God  in 
secret  ejaculations,  even  whilst  engaged  in  our  common  occupations 
or  secular  concerns,  and  whilst  surrounded  by  our  fellow-creatures ; 
without  their  notice  or  observation. 

The  IMPORTAXCE  of  PRAYER,  which  we  proposed  also  to  consider, 
will  appear  from  various  considerations,  amongst  which,  that  of  our 
great  need  is  worthy  of  attention.  We  are  in  a  moral  sense,  poor 
and  blind,  and  naked,  and  destitute.  Grace  hath  provided  a  rich 
store  of  every  thing  reqitisite  to  supply  our  deficiencies;  and  prayer 
is  the  instrument  by  which  wo  may  ol)tain  the  needful  supply.  We 
are  hungry,  and  prayer  supplies  the  heavenly  manna  as  food  for  the 
soul :  we  are  sick,  and  prayer  administers  the  never-failing  restora- 
tive, prepared  and  furnished  by  the  best  of  physicians.  Its  conse- 
quence will  be  enhanced  in  our  apprehension,  when  by  faith  we  be- 
hold the  inexhaustible  store  of  sacred  treasure  deposited  in  Christ 
for  us,  notwithstanding  our  utter  unworthiness,  and  abject  debase- 
ment by  reason  of  sin.  Again,  prayer  is  the  most  effectual  means 
of  delivering  the  Christian  from  darkness  of  mind  and  deadness  in 
the  exercise  of  duties.  Though  the  dejected  child  of  God  approaches 
the  throne  of  grace  with  scarcely  a  sensible  evidence  of  his  right  so 
to  do,  and  almost  without  a  desire  of  so  doing,  he  frequently  becomes 
animated  with  a  participation  of  divine  love,  and  a  spirit  of  prayer, 
whilst  thus  lowly  bowing  at  the  footstool  of  divine  mercy;  so  that 
before  he  is  aware,  his  soul  is  made  like  to  the  chariot  of  Aminadab. 
Indeed,  the  gracious  soul  never  goes  quite  empty  away,  though  insen- 
sible of  any  additional  supplies,  or  actual  blessing  derived  from  his 
late  intercoui'se  with  God. 

We  derive  another  argument  in  favor  of  the  importance  of  prayer, 
from  the  blessing  frequently  attendant  on  the  united  prayers  of  God's 
people,  in  times  of  declension  in  vital  piety,  and  a  general  dtadness 
in  religion.  When  the  people  of  God  say  to  each  other,  "  0  come, 
let  us  worship  and  bow  down,  let  us  kneel  before  the  Lord  our 
Maker,"  Psalm  xcv.  6;  when  we  see  them  forming  concert  in  prayer, 
and  uniting  in  the  petition  for  a  revival,  a  revival  generally  follows. 
Hence  our  Lord  says,  "  Where  two  or  three  of  you  shall  agree  touch- 
ing any  thing;  and  ye  shall  ask  it,  I  will  do  it." 

Lastly,  In  speaking  of  the  incentives  to  prater,  or  encourage- 
ment to  the  performance  of  this  duty,  we  would  observe,  that  this 
part  of  the  subject  has  in  a  great  measure  been  anticipated  in  the 
preceding  observations,  as  many  incentives  to  prayer  have  been 


MIXUTE3    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  405 

comprised  therein ;  but  we  ■would  bring  to  your  recollection  a  few 
more,  and  particularly  some,  which  are  comprised  in  various  pas- 
sages of  holy  writ,  which  exhibit  the  blessed  effects  of  prayer  in  the 
answers  returned,  and  hold  out  encouragement  to  the  performance 
thereof. 

Our  Lord,  in  speaking  of  the  intercourse  between  God  and 
his  people,  in  order  to  strengthen  our  confidence  and  encourage 
us  to  expect  returns  to  our  petitions,  calls  our  attention  to  the  en- 
dearing relation  subsisting  between  a  father  and  son,  and  towards 
the  natural  result  of  a  petition  offered  by  filial  affection  to  paternal 
regard:  "If,"  says  he,  "a  son  shall  ask  bread  of  any  of  you  that 
is  a  father,  will  he  give  him  a  stone  ?  or  if  he  ask  a  fish,  will  he 
give  him  a  serpent  ?" — and  draws  that  heart-cheering  inference  from 
it,  that  if  we,  who  are  sinful  creatures,  are  influenced  by  parental 
feelings  to  administer  good  to  our  children,  much  more  shall  our 
heavenly  Father,  who  is  all  perfection  and  goodness,  make  bountiful 
returns  to  his  beloved  children.  Hence  Ave  may  approach  as  children 
to  a  father,  who  is  both  ready  and  able  to  help,  and  who  is  the 
powerful  and  bountiful  rewarder  of  all  such  as  diligently  seek  him. 
The  believer  may  always  derive  encouragement  from  the  constant 
success  which  attends  the  prayer  offered  up  in  faith,  (1  John  v.  14, 15  ; 
Rom.  X.  12;  John  ix.  31.)  Also,  from  the  promises  which  God  hath 
given  of  hearing  and  returning  answers  of  peace,  (Ps.  cxlv.  18,  19  ;) 
that  he  will  hear  them,  (Isaiah  xlv.  11—19;)  that  he  will  answer 
them,  (Matt.  vii.  7,  8.)  As  he  hears  our  prayers,  so  he  directs 
all  things  by  his  providence,  that  they  shall  eventually  accomplish 
his  will  in  returning  answers  to  them.  If  immediate  answers  are 
withheld,  it  is  only  for  a  little  season,  until  in  the  course  of  provi- 
dence they  may  be  given  in  a  way  more  suited  to  our  case,  and 
more  for  his  own  glory.  The  various  examples  on  record  of  the 
successful  prayers  of  God's  ancient  people,  afibrd  ample  encourage- 
ment, as  Abraham,  (Gen.  xx.  17;)  Isaac,  (Gen.  xxv.  21  ;)  .lacob, 
(Gen.  xxxii.  9-12,  24-26;  and  xxxiii.  4;)  of  Moses,  (Exod.  xxxii. 
11-14  ;)  David,  (2  Sam.  vii.  17-29  ;)  Solomon,  (1  Kings  iii.  5-13  ;) 
Hezekiah,  (2  Chron.  xxxii.  24;)  Daniel,  (Dan.  ii.  17-19;)  of  Peter, 
(Acts  xii.  5;)  Paul,  (Acts  xx.  36;)  the  apostles  united,  (Acts  i.  14, 
and  ii.  42;)  besides  a  multitude  more. 

Seeing,  therefore,  we  have  such  a  cloud  of  witnesses,  let  us  take 
heed  that  we  let  not  this  duty  slip,  or  omit  it  on  any  account. 
Should  no  other  argument  be  offered,  this  one  alone  is  sufficient, 
that  God  has  made  it  our  duty  to  pray,  by  his  command  :  to  which 
also  we  shall  add,  that  he  has  made  it  our  privilege,  by  the  pleasure 
which  he  takes  in  accepting  our  offerings.  We  are  informed  that 
the  prayers  of  the  saints  ascended  up  to  the  throne  of  God  as  a 
sweet  incense,  holy  and  acceptable.  The  odours  which  were  con- 
tained in  the  golden  vials  of  the  elders,  were  the  prayers  of  the 
saints,  (Rev.  v,  8.)  Also,  the  incense  that  ascended  from  the 
golden  censer  of  ihe  angel,  was  offered  up  with  the  prayers  of  all 
the  saints. 


406 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


That  the  God  of  all  grace  may  endue  you  with  the  grace  and 
spirit  of  prayer,  by  the  instrumentality  of  which,  you  may  enjoy 
much  of  his  presence  and  live  more  to  his  glory,  is  the  prayer  of 
yours  in  the  Lord.     Amen. 

William  White,  Moderator. 

Silas  Houan,  Clerk. 

THE  MINISTERS   AND   MESSENGERS   AT  THE    ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF   THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

.2 

|| 
'i  S 

T3 

1 

g 

c 

■a 

$ 

1 

1  «^ 

o 

1 

n 

s 

Samuel  Jones, 

Thomas  Hulmes, 

Lower  Dublin, 

Jesse  Diinajan, 

Joseph  Wright, 
^John  Keen, 

22 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

95 

Benjamin  Bennet, 

Middletown, 

John  Smock, 

John  Bowne, 

10 

0 

2 

0 

0 

4 

143 

Henry  Smallet, 

Cohansie, 

Samuel  B.  Harris, 

Jeremiah  Brooks, 

11 

1 

3 

1 

0 

0 

178 

^  David  Jones,* 

Great  Valley, 

Isaac  Abrams, 
Jonathan  Phillips, 

^Michael  M'Clure, 

G 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

65 

Cape  May, 

Jonathan  German,* 
^  James  Ewing,* 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

4 

47 

Hopewell, 
1st  Church, 

David  Stout, 
Richard  Stout, 

^  Lewis  Labaw, 

3 

0 

17 

2 

0 

4 

173 

Joshua  Vaughan,* 

Brandywine, 

Robert  M'Coy, 
William  Griffith, 

'  Silas  Hough, 

8 

4 

4 

0 

0 

0 

112 

Montgomery, 

Charles  Humphrey, 
Joseph  Lunn, 

^William  Collom, 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

79 

Kingwood, 

Garner  A.  Hunt, 
Daniel  Bray, 
Peter  Wilson, 

9 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

92 

Hight's  Town, 

Amos  Reeder, 

John  Welling, 

33 

2 

9 

1 

0 

5 

398 

'  WiLLAM  Rogers, 

John  Peckworth, 

Philadelphia, 
Ist  church. 

Thomas  Billings, 
Hugh  Gorley, 
John  Bradley, 
George  IngoUs, 
John  M'Leod, 

Joseph  Keen, 
Benjamin  Thaw, 

6 

2 

10 

0 

0 

2 

177 

MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


40T 


CUURCUES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

-3 

s 
5 

s 

o 

1 

1 

u 

a 

'  Thomas  B.  Montanye, 

Arthur  Watts, 

Southampton, 

William  Magee, 
Abel  Marple, 

^  Peter  Sowerman, 

15 

1 

4 

0 

0 

1 

103 

Knowlton,t 
New  Britain, 

r 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

17 

Edward  Matthew, 
Isaac  James, 

^Erasmus  Thomas, 

1 

1 

2 

0 

0 

6 

89 

Horatio  G.  Jones, 

Salem,                         < 

Sylvanus  Shepherd, 

Joseph  Harker, 

18 

5 

3 

0 

0 

7 

131 

Dividing  Creek, 

David  Stout,* 
'  Alexander  M'Gowan, 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

3 

56 

New  Mills,                  ■< 

Isaac  Carlisle, 

Benjamin  Hedger, 

10 

3 

1 

0 

0 

1 

118 

Upper  Freehold, 

7 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

82 

Pittsgrove,t 
Manahawkin,              i 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

20 

r 

Samuel  Gray, 

^  Amos  Southard, 

1 

0 

0 

1 

0 

2 

31 

Vincent, 
Tuckahoe,t 

1 

0 

0 
0 

1 

0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

36 

28 

, 

James  M'Laughlin, 

Hilltown, 

Isaac  INIorris, 
Robert  Shannon, 

Joseph  Mathias, 

0 

0 

4 

1 

0 

4 

132 

Jacob's  Town, 

BuRGiss  Allison, 
William  Snowden,* 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

62 

Marcus  Hook, 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

22 

'  Thomas  Fleeson, 

Roxbury, 

John  Levering, 
Titus  Yerkes, 

/rilman  Culp, 

3 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

54 

West  Creek, 

Peter  Groom,* 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

48 

Shemokin, 

< 
Amwell, 

John  Patten,* 

5 

1 

4 

1 

1 

3 

93 

John  Carr, 

'  Levi  Stout, 

3 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

68 

'William  Staughton,* 

_ 

Thomas  Putts, 

Burlington, 

William  Boswell, 
John  Fisher, 
Matthew  Randall, 

Mount  Holly, 

Zcbulon  Holmes, 

12 

4 

1 

1 

0 

2 

63 

Jesse  Cox, 
John  Pipit, 

Joseph  Evans, 

22 

0 

3 

0 

0 

1 

92 

408 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


■c 

■2^ 

■n 

tj 

•a 

s 

CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 

a  ^ 

1 

a 

o 

o 

(S 

i 

«      M^ 

5 

w 

M 

P 

g 

Dover,  York  co.,  Pa. 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

27 

William  White, 

John  Ellis, 

Isaac  Johnson, 

Philadelphia, 

Thomas  Timmings, 

2d  church, 

Cornelius  Trimmul, 
Philip  Ilalzel, 
William  Magee, 

Hopewell, 
2d  church, 

^  Adam  Corfield, 

r 

25 
23 

8 
0 

2 
0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 
0 

81 
51 

James  Hill, 
Levi  Knoveles, 

John  Rutter, 

Bleckley,                      -! 

Heath  Norbury, 

Amos  Penager, 

0 

0 

0 

u 

0 

0 

16 

273 

35 

77 

8 

1 

53 

3079 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licenced  preachers  in 
italics.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked 
thus  t  received  no  intelligence.     A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


We  have  to  announce  the  mournful  intelligence  of  the  death  of 
our  much  esteemed  and  reverend  fathers  in  the  gospel,  John  Gano 
and  Joseph  Powell,  since  our  last  Association. 


MINUTES 

OF    THE 

PHILADELPHIA   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION, 

HELD  IN  NEW  BRITAIN,  BUCKS  COUNTY,  PENNSYLVANIA, 
OCTOBER  1st,  2d,  3d,  AND  4tH, 

1805. 


October  1. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Brother  Thomas  B.  Montanye 
preached  the  introductory  sermon,  from  1  Cor.  iv.  2,  "  It  is  required 
in  stewards,  that  a  man  be  found  faithfuL" 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother 
William  White,  when  Brother  Thomas  B.  Montanye  was  chosen  mo- 
derator, and  Brother  William  Staughton,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  thirty-four  churches  were  read. 
Brother  Samuel  Jones  prayed. 

Adjourned  until  half  past  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
October  2d,  half  past  eight  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  pm-suant  to  ad- 
journment.    Brother  David  Jones  prayed. 

4.  Brethren  James  M'Laughlin,  David  Cooper,  from  Natchez, 
Samuel  B.  Harris,  and  William  Inglesby,  deacon  of  the  Baptist 
church  at  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  being  present,  were  invited  to 
a  seat  with  us. 

5.  The  newly-constituted  church  at  Squam,  in  Dover  township, 
Monmouth  county.  New  Jersey,  applying  for  admission  into  our  body, 
was  acordingly  received. 

6.  Received  corresponding  letters  and  minutes  from  the  following 
Associations  :  viz.,  from  Charleston,  a  letter  and  minutes  ;  from  New 
York,  minutes  and  corresponding  letter,  by  their  messenger,  William 
Vanhorn ;  from  Warwick,  a  letter  and  minutes,  by  their  messenger 
John  Stanford ;  from  Warren,  minutes  and  corresponding  letter ;  from 
Miami,  a  letter  and  copy  of  their  minutes ;  from  Redstone,  a  letter 
and  their  minutes  ;  from  Delaware,  a  letter  and  minutes,  by  their  mes- 
senger Daniel  Dodge. 

Brother  Vanhorn  prayed. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  m. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother 
James  M'Laughlin  prayed. 

7.  The  circular  letter  was  read,  when  Brethren  Vanhorn  anrJ 
Dodge  were  appointed  a  committee,  in  conjunction  with  the  author 
to  revise  it. 

52  r409) 


410  MINUTES    OP   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

8.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed  to  write  to  the  corres- 
ponding Associations  : — Brother  William  Rogers,  to  the  Charleston ; 
Allison,  to  the  Delaware ;  Ewing,  to  the  New  York ;  Stanford,  to 
the  Shaftsbury ;  Wilson,  to  the  Warren  ;  Horatio  G.  Jones,  to  the 
Warwick ;  Bennet,  to  the  Danbury  ;  David  Cooper,  to  the  Miami ; 
and  Staughton,  to  the  Redstone. 

9.  The  following  query,  received  from  the  Great  Valley  church  last 
year,  was  considered :  "  Was  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost  external 
or  internal  ? 

Answer:  This  Association  believes  it  was  purely  external,  though 
attended  with  some  internal  effects.  For  a  statement  of  their  senti- 
ments on  the  subject,  they  refer  to  their  circular  letter  published  in 
1802. 

10.  Resolved,  That  this  Association  cannot  take  up  a  question  that 
relates  to  an  individual  member  of  any  church  without  interfering  with 
the  independence  of  such  church. 

11.  Resolved,  That  whereas,  there  is  some  difference  of  sentiment 
with  respect  to  a  certain  individual  between  the  churches  of  Middle- 
town  and  Hightstown,  this  Association  recommends  the  two  churches, 
by  mutual  delegates,  of  such  a  number  as  they  shall  think  proper,  to 
call  a  council,  at  an  early  period,  to  whom  they  may  submit  their 
documents,  and  who,  it  is  hoped,  may  promote  the  felicity  and  har- 
mony of  both  churches :  the  result  of  which  the  Association  wishes 
to  receive  the  next  year. 

The  moderator  prayed. 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermons  were  delivered  this  evening,  by  Brother  Stanford,  at  New 
Britain,  Brother  Wilson,  at  Hill  Town,  Brother  Dodge,  at  Montgo- 
mery, and  Brother  Staughton,  at  Doylestown. 

October  3d. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother  Samuel 
Jones  prayed. 

12.  Letters  to  the  corresponding  Associations  were  read  and  ap- 
proved. The  following  brethren  were  appointed  our  messengers : — 
To  the  Delaware  Association,  Joshua  Vaughan,  Horatio  G.  Jones, 
Silas  Hough,  and  John  Riitter  ;  to  the  New  York,  William  White  and 
Peter  Wilson ;  to  the  Warren,  Peter  Wilson  ;  to  the  Warwick,  Thomas 
B.  Montanye. 

Brother  Rogers  prayed. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  m. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother 
Ewing  prayed. 

13.  The  circular  letter,  revised  by  the  committee,  was  adopted  by 
the  Association. 

14.  Resolved,  That  for  the  purpose  of  a  speedy  termination  of  the 
difficulty  referred  to,  in  the  11th  article  of  these  minutes,  with  the 
approbation  of  the  delegates  of  the  Middletown  and  Hightstown 
churches,  this  Association  takes  the  liberty  of  recommending  as  the 
council  referred  to,  the  following  brethren  : — James  M'Laughlin, 
Thomas  B.  Montanye,  James  Ewing,  Samuel  Jones,  Burgiss  Allison, 


MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  411 

William  Yanhorn,  William  Stangliton  ; — and  that  the  time  and  place 
of  their  meeting  be  Friday,  the  25th  instant,  at  eleven  c 'clock,  at 
Bordentown,  New  Jersey. 

Brother  Staughton  prayed. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Brother  Vanhorn  preached  this  evening  at  New  Britain,  and  Brother 
Carlile  at  Hill  Town. 

October  4th,  eight  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Brother  Rogers  prayed. 

15.  Two  queries  were  proposed  from  the  first  church  in  Phila- 
delphia. 

First.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  divine  word,  and  the  desirable  har- 
mony of  our  churches,  that  any  church  encourage  and  practice  the 
reception  of  individuals  into  membership,  who  live  in  the  vicinity  of 
another  sister  church  ? 

Secondly.  If  not,  what  measures  ought  the  aggrieved  church,  un- 
der such  circumstances,  to  pursue  ? 

Agreed,  That,  for  want  of  time,  and  with  the  approbation  of  the 
delegates  from  the  church  of  Philadelphia,  the  queries  be  laid  over 
for  the  consideration  of  this  Association  next  year. 

16.  It  is  recommended  that  the  quarterly  prayer-meeting  be  con- 
tinued, excepting  the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  instead  of  which,  the 
Association  recommends  the  Friday  preceding. 

17.  This  Association  having  sympathized  with  the  destitute  state 
of  our  churches,  and  considered  the  utter  impropriety  of  the  expense 
falling  on  a  few  of  our  ministers,  agree,  that  as  many  of  our  churches 
had  contributed  for  the  laudable  end,  the  collections  of  all  the 
churches  should  have  been  deposited  for  the  purpose  the  Association 
then  sitting  determined. 

18.  The  report  from  the  corresponding  committee,  drafted  by 
the  recording  secretary,  was  reported,  read,  adopted,  and  is  as 
follows : 

REPORT  OF  THE  SECRETARY  TO  THE  ASSOCIATTOX, 

Agreeably  to  the  Resolution  of  the  Corresponding  Committee,  at  their  meeting, 

June  11th,  1805. 

At  the  meeting,  April  26th,  1804,  Brother  Rogers,  the  corres- 
ponding secretary,  reported  as  follows  : 

That  Charleston,  Warren,  Danbury,  New  York,  and  Warwick  As- 
sociations, have  generally  adopted  our  recommendation,  for  the  ap- 
pointing of  committees  to  correspond  or  confer  with  us,  and  have 
forwarded  their  minutes  expressive  of  the  same. 

Letters  were  also  communicated  and  read  by  him,  from  our 
Brethren  Smilie,  Ilolcombe,  Furman,  and  Backus ;  severally  giving 
pleasing  information,  as  it  respects  the  growth  of  religion  and  the 
advancement  of  the  Baptist  interest. 

The  minutes  of  the  Charleston,  Warren,  and  Danbury  Associations 
for  1803,  and  those  of  Savannah  for  the  present  year,  were  delivered 
by  the  corresponding  secretary  to  the  president  of  the  committees, 


412  MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

and  also  the  first  number  of  the  Massachusetts  Baptist  Missionary 
Magazine. 

By  particular  request,  recent  letters  received  by  the  correspond- 
ing secretary,  from  our  Brother  Carey  in  India,  and  Dr.  Fuller  of 
England,  relating  to  the  concerns  and  progress  of  the  Bengal  mis- 
sion, were  read  and  gave  peculiar  satisfaction. 

At  the  meeting  of  September  18th,  1804,  letters  and  papers  were 
communicated  and  read  by  the  corresponding  secretary,  from  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Hersey,  Fayette  county,  Pennsylvania,  dated  July  7th, 
1804 ;  Samuel  Stanton,  Wayne  county.  May  1st,  1804 ;  Rev.  Mr. 
Caton,  Orange  county,  New  York,  May  30th,  1804 ;  with  a  state- 
ment of  the  Baptist  churches  in  Wayne  and  Luzerne  counties,  Penn- 
sylvania, dated  June  9th,  1803 ;  also,  a  narrative  of  a  convention  of 
Baptist  churches  held  in  Chemung,  Tioga  county.  New  York,  from 
November  10th,  1796,  to  October  26th,  1803:  all  of  which  letters 
and  papers  were  deposited  in  the  hands  of  the  president,  agreeably 
to  a  resolution  of  this  committee,  at  their  meeting  of  September  20th, 
1803. 

At  the  meeting  of  June  11th,  1805,  the  following  letters  and  com- 
munications were  received  and  read  by  the  corresponding  secretary : — 
From  our  Brother  John  Morgan,  a  letter  announcing  the  formation 
of  a  church  at  Ebenezer,  Loudon  county,  Virginia ;  a  letter  from 
Brother  Vanhorn,  of  Scotch  Plains,  New  Jersey,  giving  an  account 
of  the  baptism  and  death  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Hampton,  whose  ex- 
perience and  history  were  unusually  interesting;  also  a  letter  from 
Brother  Holcombe  of  Savannah,  written  at  the  request  of  the  general 
committee  of  Georgia  Baptists,  and  accompanied  with  the  minutes 
of  said  committee,  which  met  at  Kioke,  in  Columbia  county,  1804. 

Intelligence  was  received  from  Brother  Rogers,  relative  to  the  pros- 
perous situation  of  the  mission  at  Serampore,  and  of  the  work  of 
God  in  New  England,  New  Y'^ork,  and  South  Carolina  particularly  ; 
information  was  received  of  the  adoption  of  the  faith  of  our  society 
relative  to  baptism,  by  the  Rev.  Daniel  Merrill  of  Sedgwick,  New 
Hampshire,  (formerly  a  pgedobaptist  minister,)  and  a  large  body  of 
the  society  over  which  he  presided. 

William  Staughton,  Recording  Secretary. 

19.  It  is  desired  that  the  collection  fund  be  continued  and  appro- 
priated as  recommended  last  year. 

20.  The  followino;  sums  were  collected: — 


FOR  THE  EDUCATION  FUND. 

From  Lower  Dublin, 
Middletown, 
Cohansie, 
Might's  Town, 
Southampton, 
Salem, 
Pittsgrove, 


153  15 


FOR  THE  MISSION*  FUND. 


$11  91 

From  Middletown, 

$6  00 

12  00 

Cohansie. 

5  00 

5  00 

Hisht's  Town, 

5  00 

5  00 

Philadelphia, 

SO  03 

9  00 

Salem, 

6  93 

6  93 

3  31 

152  96 


*The  Mission  Society  will  meet,  with    divine   leave,  the    18th  of  December 
1805,  at  the  First  Church,  in  Philadelphia,  at  three  o'clock,  p.  m. 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PIIILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  413 

21.  The  following  Brethren,  Isaac  Carlile,  John  P.  Peckworth,  and 
John  M'Leod,  who  have  been  appointed  to  examine  the  letters  from 
our  sister  Associations,  report  that  they  see  no  particular  business 
referred  to  in  them,  that  requires  the  attention  of  this  Association. 

22.  It  is  recommended  that  collections  be  made,  or  subscriptions 
increased,  or  both  be  attended  to,  for  the  use  of  the  mission  society, 
as  much  as  can  conveniently  be  done. 

23.  Supplies  were  appointed  for  the  following  destitute  churches : 
Upper  Freehold,  Pittsgrove,  Manahawkin,  Dover,  First  Hopewell, 
Frankford,  and  Squan. 

As  several  of  our  brethren,  who  are  present,  cannot  immediately 
fix  upon  any  particular  times  for  supplying  the  above  churches, 
and  some  of  our  brethren  who  are  absent,  we  believe  are  disposed  to 
serve  them,  it  is  affectionately  recommended  to  the  said  ministering 
brethren  to  visit  the  said  churches,  at  such  seasons,  as  are  not  already 
provided  for. 

24.  Resolved,  That  a  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  Rogers, 
Peckworth,  Ingles,  and  M'Leod,  in  conjunction  with  the  librarian. 
Brother  Staughton,  are  requested  to  use  their  exertions  for  obtain- 
ing intelligence  respecting  the  books  belonging  to  the  Association,  and 
that  the  churches  be  requested  to  assist  the  operations  of  the 
committee, 

25.  Brother  Rogers  is  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter  for 
next  year. 

26.  Brother  Horatio  G.  Jones  is  appointed  to  preach  the  intro- 
ductory sermon ;  and  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  David  Jones. 

27.  The  Association  is  appointed  to  meet  on  the  first  Tuesday  in 
October,  1806,  in  the  first  Baptist  church,  in  Philadelphia,  at  three 
o'clock,  P.  M.  ;  and  in  case  of  any  malignant  disorder  prevailing  in 
that  city,  at  Nottingham  meeting-house,  Hightstown  church,  New 
Jersey, 

28.  Resolved,  That  the  Association  recommend  to  the  churches, 
the  consideration  of  the  propriety  of  altering  the  time  of  our  usual 
meeting  in  October. 

29.  Agreed,  That  Brother  Stephen  C.  Ustick  print  the  minutes, 
and  that  Brother  Staughton  be  requested  to  superintend  the  print- 
ing, and  to  distribute  them  to  the  churches  and  corresponding  Asso- 
ciations. 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  REV.   SILAS  HOUGH. 

The  elders  and  messengers  of  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Association, 
sitting  at  New  Britain,  the  1st,  2d,  3d,  and  4th  of  October,  1805. 

To  the  churches  they  represent,  send  greeting. 

Beloved  Brethren, — In  conformity  to  our  usual  custom  of  annually 
addressing  you  on  some  important  religious  subject,  which  may  serve 
to  promote  your  doctrinal  knowledge,  as  well  as  to  excite  you  to  the 
practice  of  every  Christian  virtue ;  we  shall  call  your  attention,  at  this 
time,  to  the  important  object  of  Brotherly  Love. 


414  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

Though  every  suitable  respect  is  to  be  paid  to  all  men,  vet  there 
is  a  peculiar  aft'ection  due  to  every  believer,  Avhich  is  called  brotherly 
love,  and  which  Peter  enforces  in  his  exhortation  to  "  Love  the 
brotherhood,"  1  Peter  ii.  17.  This,  as  one  of  the  relative  duties 
■which  Christians  owe  to  each  other,  stands  pre-eminent  in  the  word 
of  God.  From  the  repeated  exhortations  to  this  duty,  and  the  variety 
of  forms  in  which  it  is  enforced  in  the  Bible,  we  believe  the  inference, 
of  its  being  of  the  first  magnitude,  is  not  inconclusive.  Moses  gives 
the  sum  of  all  moral  precepts  in  the  ten  commandments;  and  Christ 
comprehends  them  all  in  two.  The  first  and  principal  one  is,  "  Thou 
shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God,  with  all  thy  heart,  soul  and  mind."  The 
second  is  like  and  subordinate  unto  it,  "Thou  shalt  love  thv  neighbor 
as  thyself."  And  then  he  declares  that  "  on  these  two  commandments 
hang  all  the  law  and  the  prophets,"  ^latt.  xxii.  37-39.  Hence  we 
see  the  propriety  of  Paul's  declaration,  that  ''  love  is  the  fulfiling  of 
the  law,"  Rom.  xiii.  10.  For  every  duty  required  of  us  is  to  be  per- 
formed from  a  principle  of  love  to  God,  as  the  exciting  cause,  and 
in  obedience  to  his  revealed  will,  as  the  rule  of  all  our  actions; 
therefore,  this  is  called  "the  fikst  and  great  commaxdmext." 

The  first  table  of  the  law,  containing  our  more  immediate  duty  to 
God,  is  here,  by  our  Saviour,  comprehended  in  this  one  sentence, 
'•  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  soul,  and 
mind."  The  second  table,  which  contains  our  duty  to  our  neighbor 
is  also  comprised  in  this  single  sentence,  "  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neigh- 
bor as  thyself."  Hence  we  are  authorized  to  conclude,  that,  though 
all  our  duties  are  to  be  performed  from  a  principle  of  love  to  God; 
yet,  love  to  the  brethren,  abstractedly  considered,  is  the  source  from 
which  arise  all  the  other  relative  duties  we  owe  unto  them.  For  as 
love  to  God  is  that  active  principle  which  constrains  us  to  delight  in 
his  worship — which  makes  the  "ways  of  wisdom  to  be  ways  of 
pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths  peace;"  so  love  to  man  is  that  prin- 
ciple of  action,  which  compels  us  not  only  to  fly  from  the  thought  of 
doing  him  an  injury,  but  prompts  us  to  give  relief  when  in  distress, 
and  render  him  happy.  "  Love  worketh  no  ill  to  his  neighbor: 
therefore,  love  is  the  fulfiling  of  the  law,"  Rom.  xiii.  10.  This  is 
what  James  calls  the  Royal  Law.  "  If  ye  fulfil  the  royal  law  accord- 
ing to  the  Scriptures,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself,  ye  do 
well,"  James  ii.  8.  And  granting  we  are  to  take  this  command  in 
an  unlimited  sense,  to  extend  to  every  individual  of  the  human  race; 
yet  we  still  contend  for  the  proposition  before  advanced,  that  there 
is  a  peculiar  aft'ection  due  to  the  children  of  God.  The  apostolic  ad- 
vice on  this  subject  runs  thus,  "  As  we  have  opportunity,  let  us  do 
good  unto  all  men,  especially  to  them  who  are  of  the  household  of 
faith,"  Gal.  vi.  10.  "We  are  to  love  all  men,  as  men  ;  though  some,  by 
their  abominable  practices,  forfeit  their  respect,  and  bring  upon  them- 
selves merited  contempt.  But  Christians  are  to  be  loved,  as  the 
adopted  children  of  God,  and  for  his  image  which  they  bear. 

The  obligations  we  are  under  to  love  God  and  his  children  are  in- 
separable.  It  is  therefore  folly  in  the  extreme  for  any  one  to  deceive 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  415 

himself  under  an  iiloa  that  he  loves  God,  when  at  the  same  time  he 
has  no  disposition  to  love,  and  do  good  to  his  people.  For  says 
John,  "  This  commandment  have  we  from  him,  that  he  who  lovcth 
God,  love  his  hrother  also."  And,  if  a  man  say,  "I  love  God,  and 
hateth  his  brother,  he  is  a  liar,"  1  John  iv.  20,  21.  From  this,  and 
similar  lan^uiigc  used  in  the  Scriptures,  it  is  evident,  tliat  brotherly 
love  is  an  indispensable  duty  upon  all  the  followers  of  the  Lamb. 

Brotherly  love  is  not  only  an  incumbent  duty  upon  all  believers, 
but  it  is  a  very  comfortable  evidence  of  their  gracious  state ;  for  says 
the  apostle,  "  We  know  that  we  have  passed  from  death  unto  life, 
because  we  love  the  brethren :  he  that  loveth  not  his  brother  abidcth 
in  death,"  1  John  iii.  14.  From  this  passage  it  appears  evident  that 
all  Cln'istians,  from  the  circumstance  of  their  loving  the  brethren, 
may  draw  the  comfortable  and  assured  conclusion,  that  they  have 
passed  from  spiritual  death  to  spiritual  life,  or  in  other  words,  that 
they  are  regenerated  or  born  of  God,  and  made  heirs  of  eternal 
glory.  As  an  evidence  of  gracious  affections,  it  is  not  common  for 
this  to  stand  alone  ;  but  is  generally  attended  with  other  distinguish- 
ing marks  whereby  a  person  may  judge  of  his  gracious  state,  liut 
we  still  think  that  there  are  seasons  when  almost  every  other  mark 
is  lost,  and  when  this  is  the  Christian's  principle,  if  not  only  sup- 
port. And  we  believe  it  to  be  abundantly  sufficient  to  preserve  him 
from  sinking  in  despair. 

We  will  review  the  delightful  passage.  Figure  to  yourselves  a  per- 
son just  made  acquainted  Avith  his  dreadful  situation  as  a  sinner — 
condemned  by  the  law  of  God — a  load  of  guilt  upon  his  soul — ready, 
in  his  own  a{)iirehcn.sion,  to  di'op  into  endless  misery — but  waiting, 
with  an  anxiety  bordering  on  despair,  to  receive  some  comfort  from 
the  word  of  God,  querying  with  the  beloved  disciple  as  he  delivers 
these  words,  in  the  folloAving  manner,  "We  know,"  says  John, — 
'  what,'  says  the  disconsolate  sinner,  '  do  you  know  T  "  That  we  have 
passed  from  death  unto  life."  0  !  happy  saint !  do  you  certainly 
know  that  this  is  your  situation?  A  knowledge  this,  worth  ten  thou- 
sand worlds  !  would  to  God  that  1  had  but  the  smallest  gleam  of 
hope,  that  such  a  blessing  belonged  to  me  !  But  let  me  ask,  'llowdo 
you  know  it?'  "Because  we  love  the  brethren."  0  !  beloved  of  the 
Lord  !  do  you  say  that  this  is  a  certain  sign  of  such  an  important 
event  as  that  of  having  passed  from  death  unto  life?  Yes;  the  Holy 
Ghost  instructs  me  to  assert  it  for  the  benefit  of  his  people;  and  you 
may  rest  assured  that  he  who  truly  loves  his  brother  hath  been  de- 
livered from  death,  and  hath  a  right  to  all  the  blessings  of  the  cove- 
nant of  grace.  And  to  check  the  presumption  of  hypocrites,  I  am 
further  instructed,  by  the  same  authority,  to  declare  that  "  he  that 
loveth  not  his  brother  abideth  in  death." 

Brotherly  love  is  not  only  an  evidence  to  ourselves  that  we  are  born 
of  God,  but  also  to  others:  For  says  Christ,  "By  this  shall  all  men 
knoAV  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have  love  one  to  another,"  John 
xiii.  35.  It  is  oidy  when  Christians  are  wearing  Christ's  livery,  and 
completely  equipi)cd  with  the  gospel  armor,  that  they  appear  "fair  as 


416  MINUTES    OF    THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

the  moon,  clear  as  the  sun,  and  terrible  as  an  army  with  banners,"  Cant, 
vi.  10.  It  is  only  those  whose  general  conversation  is  such  as  becometh 
the  gospel,  that  appear  respectable  to  the  eyes  of  mankind.  For  the 
path  of  the  Christian  is  so  plainly  pointed  out  in  the  word  of  God, 
that  even  the  wicked  world  can  readily  discern  the  least  deviation  in 
their  steps.  And  when  professors  allow  themselves  to  fall  in  with 
the  vain  and  sinful  customs  of  the  world,  and  especially  when  they 
are  contentious,  and  give  themselves  up  to  backsliding  and  evil- 
speaking,  one  of  another,  they  become  a  stumbling-block  to  young 
converts,  and  a  laughing-stock  to  infidels.  Let  us,  therefore,  be  ex- 
ceeding careful,  in  all  our  conduct,  to  "give  none  occasion  to  the 
adversary  to  speak  reproachfully,"  1  Tim.  v.  14. 

As  every  thing  that  is  valuable  may  be  counterfeited — and  as 
there  may  be  danger  of  the  love  we  profess  to  have  for  the  brethren 
being  spurious,  (and  therefore  no  certain  mark  of  our  sonship,)  we 
will  describe  the  nature  and  effects  of  brotherly  love,  that  you  may 
be  able  to  determine  what  degree  of  consolation  you  may  draw 
from  it. 

With  respect  to  its  nature.  It  is  a  holy  love — of  the  same  kind 
that  is  in  God  himself:  for  it  is  a  grace  communicated  from  him, 
therefore  must  be  the  same  in  kind,  though  not  in  degree.  Here  we 
will  just  observe,  that  the  love  of  God  is  the  display  of  his  attribute 
of  goodness  which  delights  in  the  happiness  of  its  object.  And 
though  God  is  good  to  all  his  creatures,  "  making  his  sun  to  rise  on 
the  evil  and  on  the  good,  and  sending  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the 
unjust,"  (Matt.  v.  45  ;)  yet  his  approving,  everlasting,  and  unchange- 
able love  is  only  placed  upon  his  elect  ones.  These,  as  sanctified, 
and  especially  as  having  the  perfect  righteousness  of  Christ  imputed 
unto  them,  Jehovah  beholds  with  complacency,  and  delights  to  do 
them  good.  Of  this  he  has  given  the  highest  proof,  in  the  gift  of 
his  Son — and,  with  him,  he  will  freely  give  them  all  things  that  will 
be  to  their  advantage,  Rom.  viii.  32.  "  The  Lord  will  give  grace 
and  glory :  no  good  thing  will  he  withhold  from  them  that  walk  up- 
rightly," Psalm  Ixxxiv.  11.  And  brotherly  love,  having  a  divine 
origin,  must  be  an  holy  affection — and,  like  that  of  Jehovah,  will 
fix  upon  suitable  objects,  and  delight  to  promote  their  happiness. 

Our  love  to  God  will  be  manifested  by  our  obedience,  (John  xiv. 
15,)  and  our  love  to  his  people,  by  our  exertions  to  do  them  good. 
It  is  in  vain  to  say  we  love  them,  and  at  the  same  time  be  in  the 
habit  of  spreading,  and  perhaps  magnifying,  their  faults.  Had  we 
that  "  fervent  charity  among  ourselves,"  to  which  we  are  exhorted 
by  Peter,  it  would  "cover  the  multitude  of  sins,"  1  Peter  iv.  8. 
It  is  incongruous  to  suppose  we  love  them,  if,  having  the  means, 
we  withhold  relief  when  they  need  it.  Or  as  John  expresses  it, 
"  whoso  hath  this  worlds  good,  and  seeth  his  brother  have  need,  and 
shutteth  up  his  bowels  of  compassion  from  him,  how  dwelleth  the 
love  of  God  in  him?"  1  John  iii.  17.  Dear  brethren,  "  let  us  not 
love  in  word,  neither  in  tongue,  but  in  deed  and  in  truth."  Let  us 
evidence  oiu:  love,  by  feeding  the  hungry,  clothing  the  naked,  visit- 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHIL.ADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  417 

ing  the  sick,  and  cheerfully  rendering  them  all  the  service  in  our 
power.  In  this  way,  let  us  manifest  to  the  world  that  our  profes- 
sions are  not  mere  empty  sound ;  and  give  them  reason  to  say,  like 
the  heathen  in  former  days,  "  See  how  these  Christians  love  one 
another." 

There  are  many  important  duties  that  Christians  owe  to  each 
other,  the  source  of  which  is  love.  And  where  this  is  active,  those 
will  be  performed.  Some  of  them  are  of  a  negative  kind,  and  are 
essential  to  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  church.  Such  are  the 
exhortations  to  avoid  all  unprofitable  debates,  envying,  backbiting, 
tattling,  and  busying  ourselves  in  other  people's  matters.  If  we 
possess  this  active  principle,  instead  of  being  guilty  of  these,  we 
shall  be  found  in  the  practice  of  those  positive  duties  enjoined  upon 
us.  Such  as  relieving  the  distressed — bearing  with  one  another — 
praying  with  and  for  one  another — promoting  peace  and  harmony — 
watching  over  each  other — and  where  any  are  wandering  out  of  the 
way,  endeavoring,  in  the  spirit  of  meekness,  to  restore  such — and 
by  every  other  means  in  our  power,  advancing  the  interest  of  the 
Re<1eemer's  kingdom,  and  promoting  the  happiness  of  its  subjects. 

Dear  brethren,  if  you  are  found  faithful  in  the  cheerful  perform- 
ance of  these  duties,  you  are  in  possession  of  one  bright  evidence 
that  you  are  the  children  of  God,  and  heirs  of  eternal  glory,  in 
their  pilgrimage  towards  their  future  inheritance,  "  standing  fast 
in  one  spirit,  with  one  mind  affectionately  striving  together  for  the 
faith  of  the  gospel,"  (Phil.  i.  27  ;)  and  uniting  against  their  common 
enemies.  "  Behold,  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to 
dwell  together  in  unity,"  Psalm  cxxxii.  1. 

This  precious  grace  will  extend  itself  to  all  who  bear  the  divine 
image.  It  knows  no  bounds  till  it  meets  with  unworthy  objects. 
For  as  he  who  truly  loves  God,  loves  him  as  possessing  all  the  per- 
fections of  Deity;  so  will  he  love  all  those  who  bear  the  marks  of 
being  born  of  God,  of  all  nations,  languages  and  denominations 
whatever.  And  those  who  live  nearest  to  the  Lord  in  all  holy  con- 
versation, together  with  a  zealous  attachment  to  the  pure  principles 
of  religion,  will  be  most  loved  by  all  the  true  followers  of  Christ. 

We  shall  close  with  the  apostolic  exhortation,  "  Add  to  your 
faith,  virtue,  knowlege,  temperance,  patience,  godliness,  brotherly 
kindness,  and  charity.  For  if  these  things  be  in  you  and  abound, 
they  make  you  that  ye  shall  be  neither  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  2  Peter  i.  5-8.  "Finally, 
brethren  farewell :  be  perfect,  be  of  good  comfort,  be  of  one  mind, 
live  in  peace;  and  the  God  of  love  and  peace  shall  be  with  you," 
2  Cor.  xiii.  11.     Amen. 

Thomas  B.  Montanye,  Moderator. 
William  Staughton,  Clerk. 


53 


418 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


THE  MINISTERS  AND   MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,   AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 

1 
p 

1 

0 

O 

0 

03 

i 
p 

3 

a 
116 

Lower  Dublin, 

'  Samuel  Jones, 
Thomas  Holmes, 
Jesse  Dungan, 
Joseph  Wright, 
Abednego  Whilton, 

24 

1 

Middletown, 

'  Benjamin  Bennet, 
John  Stillwell, 
^Jacob  Conover, 

4 

0 

0 

1 

0 

2 

144 

Cohansie, 

'  Henry  Smalley,* 
Jeremiah  Brooks, 

6 

3 

3 

0 

0 

2 

182 

Great  Valley, 

Cape  May, 

Hopewell, 
1st  church, 

'  Dayid  Jones, 
Horatio  G.  Jones, 
Isaac  Buley, 

Jonathan  Garman,* 

0 

0 

0 

2 
0 

3 

2 
0 

17 

0 
0 

2 

0 
0 

0 

0 
1 

0 

65 
46 

157 

James  Ewing, 

Nathan  Stout, 
Jesse  Stout, 

Brandywine, 

Joshua  Yaughan, 
John  Petit, 

5 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

115 

Montgomery, 

Silas  Hough, 
Charles  Humphrey, 
Joseph  Lunn, 
Thomas  Davis, 
John  Harris, 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

0 

79 

Kingwood,                    ^ 

Garner  A.  Hunt,* 
Thomas  Lequear, 
Thomas  Robertson, 

24 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

113 

Hight's  Town, 

Philadelphia, 
1st  church. 

Peter  Wilson, 
Thomas  Allen, 

r 

37 
10 

3 
14 

74 
5 

2 
o 

1 
1 

11 

5 

352 
190 

William  Staughton, 
William  Rogers, 
John  P.  Peckworth, 
Thomas  Billings* 
George  Engles, 
John  M'Leod, 
Joseph  Keen, 

Southampton, 

Thomas  B.  Montanye, 
Nathan  Marple, 
Nathan  Banes, 
George  Shelmire, 
Peter  Sauerman, 
Barnard  Vanhorne, 

21 

1 

1 

1 

0 

2 

121 

Knowlton,t 
1   Salem,                         < 

0 
5 

0 
0 

0 
10 

0 
1 

0 
0 

0 

2 

17 
123 

John  Walker, 
Joseph  Lloyd, 

MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


419 


CHURCHES.                        MINISTERS  AND   MESSENGERS. 

■a 
o. 

0 
4 

6 
5 
1 

44 

3 
0 

0 
2 
0 

2 
0 
0 

10 

14 

44 
1 

34 

"3    oj 

«^ 

0 
0 

1 
1 

1 

2 

1 

0 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 

3 

2 
0 

5 

6 

i 

a 
s 

New  Britain, 

Dividing  Creek, 

New  Mills, 

Upper  Freehold, 
Pittsgrove, 

Manahawkin,              ' 

Vincent, 
Tuckahoe,t 

Ililltown, 

Jacob's  Town, 
Marcus  Hook,t 

Roxbury, 

West  Creek, 
Shemokin, 

Amwell, 
Burlington, 

Mount  Holly, 

Dover,  York  county, 

Philadelphia, 
2d  church, 

f 

1 

0 

0 

1 
1 

3 

1 

0 

3 
2 
0 

1 
0 
3 

0 

2 

2 
4 

3 

2 

0 

0 
0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

4 
0 
1 

2 

0 

4 
0 

G 

0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

1 

0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 

0 

1 

0 
0 

0 

1 

0 
2 

1 

0 
0 

1 

0 

1 
1 

0 

0 

1 

0 
0 

0 

2 

2 

0 

85 
GO 

123 

86 
21 

74 

38 
28 

127 
61 
22 

50 
53 
89 

76 

79 

130 
21 

111 

Edward  Matthew, 
Benjamin  Matthew, 
Ephraim  Thomas, 
William  James, 
Abiah  James, 
John  nines, 

David  Stout, 

■  Alexander  M'Gowan, 
Isaac  Carlisle, 

tws 

Samuel  Gray, 

Enos  Miles, 

Joseph  Matthias, 
Philip  Miller, 
Ashbel  Jones, 
John  Davis, 
Thomas  Lunn, 
Lewis  Bitting, 

BuRGiss  Allison, 

Thomas  Fleeson, 
John  Levering, 
Nathan  Levering,  jr., 

Peter  Groom,* 

John  Patten,* 

r 

Samuel  Hunt, 
Aaron  Stout, 

WiUiam  BosweU,'* 
Joseph  Shepherd, 
George  Allen, 
Stephen  C.  Ustick, 
Matthew  Randall, 

Jesse  Cox, 
Joseph  Evans, 
William  Rogers, 
f 

Moses  Davis, 

'William  White, 
Isaac  Johnson, 
Adam  Corfield, 
Richard  Proudfoot, 

,  Thomas  Altimus, 

420 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


CHURCHES.                        MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

.2 
1 

ll 
1^ 

i 

o 

1 

S3 
§ 

a 

1 

1 

( 

1 

16 
0 

5 

1 

0 

2 

0 
0 

1 
1 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 
0 

54 

33 

38 

Ja  ^i,„J  1,                  ^  James  Hill, 
2d  church.                [Daniel  Drake, 

f  John  Rutter, 
Bleckley,                     <  Heath  Norbury, 
[  Amos  Penager, 

^^^^°'          '                { Samuel  Haven, 

324 

50 

146 

41 

6 

43 

3279 

Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers  in 
italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  Fi-om  churches  marked  thus  f 
received  no  letter.    A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


*^*  Sis  persons  have  been  baptised  and  added  to  the  Welsh  church,  at  Lower 
Dublin,  during  the  year. 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

HELD,  BY  APPOINTMENT,  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER 

7th,  8th,  9th,  AND  10th, 

1806. 


October  Tth. — At  tliree  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Brother  Horatio  G.  Jones 
preached  the  introductory  sermon,  from  Matt,  xxviii.  20,  "  Lo  I  am 
with  you  alway,  even  to  the  end  of  the  world." 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer  by  Brother  T. 
B.  Montanye,  when  Brother  Henry  Smalley  was  chosen  moderator, 
and  Brother  William  Staughton,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  thirty-six  churches  were  read. 
Brother  Rogers  prayed. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
October  8th,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  agreeably  to  adjournment. 
Brother  Carlile  prayed. 

4.  jNIinistering  brethren  of  sister  Associations  and  churches,  of 
good  standing  in  their  respective  churches,  who  were  present,  were 
invited  to  a  seat  with  us. 

5.  The  newly  constituted  church  at  Evesham,  and  another  new 
church  at  Trenton  and  Lamberton,  applying  for  admission  into  our 
body,  were  accordingly  received. 

6.  Received  corresponding  letters  and  minutes  from  the  following 
Associations  : — From  Charleston,  a  letter  and  minutes ;  from  New 
York,  minutes  and  corresponding  letter,  by  their  messengers  William 
Parkinson  and  John  Ellis  ;  from  Warren,  minutes  and  corresponding 
letter ;  from  Miami,  letters  and  copies  of  their  minutes  for  1805  and 
1806  ;  from  Redstone  Association,  minutes  ;  from  Delaware,  minutes 
and  a  letter,  by  their  messengers  Gideon  Ferrell  and  Daniel  Dodge ; 
from  Shaftsbury,  their  minutes  and  corresponding  letter. 

7.  Received  a  letter  from  Brother  Stephen  Gano,  of  Providence, 
with  proposals  for  a  small  work,  entitled,  "  Biographical  Sketches  of 
the  late  Rev.  John  Gano,  written  principally  by  himself."  This  As- 
sociation, retaining  an  afifectionate  remembrance  of  that  worthy 
servant  of  Jesus,  recommend  the  work  to  the  purchase  of  the 
brethren. 

8.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed  to  write  to  the  corres- 
ponding Associations ; — Allison,  to  the  Charleston ;  Montanye,  to  the 

(421) 


422  MINUTES  or  the  Philadelphia  associatiox. 

New  York ;  Hough,  to  the  "Warwick,  ;  Rogers,  to  the  TTarren  ;  Hunt, 
to  the  Miami;  Ustick,  to  the  Redstone;  Shej^pard,  to  the  Delaware; 
Samuel  Jones,  to  the  Shaftsbui-j. 

Brother  Terrell  prayed. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  p.  M. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  m. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother  S. 
Jones  prayed. 

9.  Appointed  our  Brethren  Samuel  Jones,  "William  "White,  and 
Thomas  B.  Montanye,  a  committee  to  examine  the  minutes  of  the 
diiferent  corresponding  Associations,  and  report  if  there  be  any  busi- 
ness upon  them,  to  which  it  may  be  proper  this  Association  should 
attend. 

10.  The  circular  letter,  drawn  up  by  our  Brother  Rogers,  was 
read,  and  our  Brethren  David  Jones,  Staughton  and  Allison,  in 
conjunction  with  the  writer,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  revise  it. 

11.  This  Association  heard  the  report  of  the  committee,  who 
were  appointed  on  the  subject  of  a  difficulty  between  the  churches 
of  Middletown  and  Hightstown,  and  are  happy  to  find  that  the  diffi- 
culty which  had  respect  to  John  Cooper,  is  removed. 

12.  The  church  at  Hightstown  having  found  that  the  conduct  of 
said  Cooper  (late  of  Nova  Scotia,  now  of  Middletown)  has  been  no- 
toriously censurable,  have  excommunicated  him.  The  chui'ches  will 
govern  themselves  accordingly. 

13.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed  messengers  to  our  sister 
Associations : — To  New  York,  Brethren  Thomas  B.  Montanye  and 
Henry  Smalley ;  to  "Warren,  Brethren  "William  Rogers  and  Peter 
"VNllson ;  to  Delaware,  Brethren  "William  White,  Isaac  Carlile,  and 
Joshua  Yaughan. 

Brother  David  Jones  prayed. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  10  o'clock. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  Parkinson,  from  Rom.  ix.  22-24, 
and  by  Brother  Ferrell,  from  Jer.  xxiii.  29. 

October  9th,  10  o'clock. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother 
Samuel  Jones  prayed. 

14.  On  reconsidering  the  queries  sent  to  the  Association  by  the 
first  church  of  Philadelphia  last  year,  they  agree  to  withdraw  them, 
substituting  the  following  query  in  their  stead : 

"  "Would  it  not  be  advisable  to  appoint  a  committee  to  examine  and 
see  if  there  be  not  rules  in  the  new  system  of  discipline  which  are 
discordant  with  the  old,  and  which  might  be  so  connected  as  to  ren- 
der them  both  harmonious  ?" 

Agreed  that  it  be  postponed  for  consideration  until  the  next 
Association. 

15.  It  is  recommended  that  the  quarterly  prayer  meetings  be  con- 
tinued, excepting  the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  instead  of  which  the 
Association  recommends  the  Thursday  preceding. 

16.  It  is  recommended  that  collections  be  made,  or  subscriptions 
increased,  or  both  be  attended  to,  for  the  use  of  the  mission  society, 
as  much  as  can  conveniently  be  done. 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  423 

17.  The  Association  recommends  that  collections  be  made  in  all 
the  churches  in  which  thej  have  not  been  made,  and  repeated,  if 
found  convenient,  in  the  churches  in  which  they  have  already  been 
made,  for  assisting  our  brethren  in  Serampore  in  the  translation  of 
the  Scriptures  into  the  several  languages  of  India,  and  that  the  mo- 
neys be  transmitted,  by  or  before  the  next  Association,  to  our  Brother 
Rogers,  to  be  by  him  deposited  in  the  hands  of  Robert  Ralston,  Esq., 
to  whom  gratitude  is  due  for  his  disinterested  and  obliging  attention 
to  the  reception  of  moneys,  and  their  transmission  to  India. 

18.  Appointed  supplies  for  Pittsgrove,  Manahawkin,  and  Dover. 
Brother  Wilson  prayed. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  M. — Met  agreeably  to  adjournment.  Brother 
Allison  prayed. 

Continued  the  appointing  of  supplies,  for  Frankford  and  Squan. 

The  ministering  brethren  in  Philadelphia,  engage  to  supply  the 
Frankford  brethren  as  often  as  they  can. 

As  several  of  the  ministering  brethren  who  are  present,  cannot 
immediately  fix  upon  any  particular  times  for  the  supplying  of  the 
above-named  churches,  and  some  who  are  absent,  we  believe,  are 
disposed  to  serve  them,  it  is  affectionately  recommended  to  the 
brethren  that  they  visit  the  churches  named  above,  as  often  as  they 
conveniently  can. 

Supplies  were  also  appointed  for  Trenton  and  Lamberton. 

19.  The  circular  letter  presented  by  the  committee  was  adopted 
by  the  Association. 

20.  Resolved,  That  our  Brethren  Samuel  Jones  and  T.  B.  Mon- 
tanye,  with  the  librarian,  William  Staughton,  be  a  committee  to  make 
out  a  list  of  the  books  belonging  to  this  Association,  and  that  the 
persons  holding  the  books  send  certificates  of  what  books  they  possess 
as  soon  as  they  may  be  able. 

21.  Brother  William  Staughton  is  appointed  to  write  the  circular 
letter  for  next  year,  and  the  subject  recommended  is  an  answer  to 
the  inquiry, — "What  are  the  qualifications  of  a  Gospel  Minister?" 

22.  Brother  Samuel  Jones  is  appointed  to  preach  the  Association 
sermon  of  next  year,  which  is  intended  to  be  a  century  one — a  hun- 
dred years  having  passed  since  we  were  first  formed.  In  case  of 
failure.  Brother  White  will  deliver  a  sermon  on  any  subject  he  may 
approve. 

23.  Query  from  the  first  church  in  Philadelphia :  What  is  the 
smallest  number  of  members  necessary  for  forming  a  gospel 
church  ? 

Answer :  On  this  head  different  sentiments  are  entertained.  Some 
have  supposed  two  or  three  are  sufficient,  others  have  imagined  five, 
some  ten,  and  others  twelve,  because  it  would  seem  that  the  church 
at  Ephesus  was  formed  of  twelve  men.  Acts  xix.  7.  The  Associa- 
tion is  of  opinion,  however,  that  much  depends  on  the  probability  of 
the  persons  living  permanently  together  who  may  be  about  to  be 
constituted.     It  appears  desirable  that  there  be  in  a  new  settlement, 


424 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


where  removals  are  frequent,  at  least  seven,  and  that  of  these  tvro  or 
three  be  males. 

24.  Query :  Whether  can  an  orthodox  Baptist  church  receive  a 
person  who  has  been  baptized  by  a  Tunker  Universalist,  without 
baptizing  him  again  ?  The  person  has  renounced  Universalist  prin- 
ciples. 

Answer.  Yes. 

Brother  M'Gowan  prayed. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Sermon  by  Brother  Montanye,  from  John  x.  28  ;  by  Brother 
Dodge,   Acts  viii.  5 ;  by  Brother  Parkinson,  Matt.  viii.  2. 

October  11th. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother  Peter 
Smith,  of  the  Miami  Association,  prayed. 

25.  The  letters  appointed  to  be  'written  to  the  sister  Associations 
were  read,  and,  after  some  amendments,  adopted. 

26.  Voted  a  revision  of  the  rules  for  conducting  business  in  this 
Association ;  and  that  Brethren  Samuel  Jones,  Rogers,  and  Staugh- 
ton,  be  a  committee  for  the  pui-pose,  who  are  requested  to  produce 
them  the  next  Association. 

27.  The  committee  appointed  on  the  memorial  of  six  members  of 
the  first  Baptist  church  of  Philadelphia,  report  that  in  their  opinion, 
said  memorial  ought  not  to  be  taken  up  by  this  Association. 

The  Association  concurred  with  the  report. 

28.  Brother  Rogers  submitted  to  the  Association,  "  Proposals  for 
continuing  by  subscription,  the  Massachusetts  Baptist  Missionary 
Magazine,  published  for  the  benefit  of  the  society."  This  Association 
recommend  the  work  to  the  churches,  and  for  their  information  ob- 
serve that  eight  numbers  are  already  published,  and  that  it  comes 
out  quarterly,  at  twelve  and  a  half  cents  each  number.  Oiu-  Brethren 
W.  Rogers  and  Peter  Wilson,  are  appointed  agents  for  this  work, 
within  the  bounds  of  this  Association. 

29.  This  Association  recommend  to  Dr.  Samuel  Jones  the  abrido;- 
ment  of  Robinson's  History  of  Baptism,  so  as  to  reduce  it  to  the 
size  of  a  dollar  volume ;  but,  that  every  sentiment  in  it,  contrary  to 
our  received  evangelical  doctrines,  be  totally  expunged. 

30.  The  following  sums  were  collected  : — 


FOR  THE  EDUCATION  FUND. 

FOR  THE  MISSION  FUND. 

From  Lower  Dublin, 

S9  50 

From  Great  Valley, 

$19  17 

Cohansie, 

10  00 

Montgomery, 

7  62 

Eight's  Town, 

5  00 

New  Britain, 

5  63 

Salem, 

8  00 

Southampton, 

9  00 

Middletovm, 

3  00 

Hilltown, 

8  20 

First  Hopewell, 

4  00 

Roxbury, 

10  15 

night's  Town, 

5  00 

Trenton  and  Lamberton, 

5  00 

Salem, 

8  00 

Philadelphia, 

32  94 

$39  50  $110  71 

31.  The  Association  is  appointed  to  meet  in  1807,  in  the  first  Baptist 


MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  425 

Churcli,  Philadelphia,  and  in  case  of  any  malignant  disease  prevailing 
in  that  city,  at  Trenton  and  Lamberton  meeting-house. 

32.  Our  Brother  S.  C.  Ustick  is  appointed  to  print  the  minutes 
and  letters,  and  our  brethren  at  Philadelphia,  Eogers,  White,  Peck- 
worth,  and  Staughton,  are  requested  to  superintend  their  distribution. 

Brother  Staughton  concluded  by  prayer. 

REPORT  OF  THE  CORRESPONDING  COMMITTEE. 

At  their  meeting,  January  29th,  1806,  the  following  communica- 
tions were  produced  and  read  by  the  corresponding  secretary. 

1.  A  letter  from  Brother  Asahel  Morse,  of  Stratfield,  Fairfield 
township,  Connecticut,  mentioning  the  death  of  Elder  Stephen  Royce, 
and  the  prosperity  of  the  churches  within  the  vicinity  of  his  residence, 
together  with  a  copy  of  the  Danbury  Association  minutes. 

2.  A  letter  from  Thomas  G.  Jones,  stating  the  origin,  constitution, 
and  present  state  of  the  churches,  Warren  and  Sharon,  which  lie 
North  West'of  the  Ohio  river,  and  belong  to  the  Redstone  Associa- 
tion :  with  several  other  articles  of  interesting  information. 

3.  A  communication  from  some  of  the  brethren  of  the  Sarepta 
Association,  who  mention  their  high  approbation  of  the  plan  the 
committee  has  adopted:  They  state  that  there  are  four  Associa- 
tions in  Georgia — the  Hephzibah,  the  Savannah,  the  Georgia,  and 
the  Sarepta — and  express  their  hope  to  be  able  to  transmit  other 
communications  shortly. 

4.  A  letter  from  our  Brother  Bradley,  of  Newport,  Rhode  Island, 
addressed  to  Mr.  John  Dayton,  of  Philadelphia,  mentioning  the  ex- 
istence of  a  revival  in  the  church  with  which  he  is  connected. 

At  their  meeting,  October  10th,  1806,  a  communication  was  read 
by  Brother  William  Rogers,  corresponding  secretary,  from  the 
Bethel  Baptist  Association,  South  Carolina,  containing  a  large  and 
interesting  account  of  its  rise.  It  was  formed  November,  1789,  and 
consisted  of  only  ten  churches,  but  so  increased,  that  in  August,  1800, 
fourteen  churches  were  dismissed  from  their  body  to  form  the  Broad 
River  Association;  and,  in  the  year  1802,  nine  churches  were  dis- 
missed to  assist  in  forming  what  is  called  the  Saluda  Association. 
In  the  years  1802  and  1803,  a  great  revival  took  place  among  them. 
In  1805,  the  number  of  churches  was  forty-nine — of  ministers,  fifty, 
and  of  members,  4092. 

The  committee  feel  a  sense  of  gratitude  to  the  Bethel  Association, 
for  their  pious,  afi'ectionate,  and  instructive  communication,  made  by 
Brother  David  Lilly,  and  hope  to  hear  further  from  them. 

A  true  extract  from  the  minutes. 

William  Staughton,  Recording  Secretary. 
Brethren  Ferrell  and  Matthias  preached  this  evening. 


54 


426  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  REV.  WILLIAM  ROGERS. 

The  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Asso- 
ciation. 

To  the  churches  they  represent,  send  Christian  salutation. 

Beloved  brethren, — Having  been  permitted,  once  more,  to  assemble 
together,  in  our  metropolis,  without  any  interruption  from  pestilen- 
tial disease,  we  would  offer  our  thanks  to  Almighty  God;  and  hav- 
ing received  and  heard  your  affectionate  communications,  our  hearts 
rejoice  in  your  joy  and  sympathize  in  your  griefs. 

Accustomed  to  address  you  annually,  in  a  letter  of  Christian  love, 
we  proceed  with  pleasure  to  the  task,  and  fervently  pray  that  by 
this  service  your  bosoms  may  be  strengthened  and  refreshed  in  the 
Lord.  At  the  present  season,  when  a  new  era  appears  to  have  sprung 
up  in  the  Christian  church,  when  the  servants  of  God,  both  in  the 
Old  World  and  in  the  New,  dissatisfied  with  exhibiting  the  glories 
of  the  Redeemer  in  the  vicinity  of  their  own  habitations,  stand  pre- 
pared to  bear  the  lamp  of  the  Lord's  Anointed  amid  the  glooms  of 
the  deserts  and  into  the  regions  where  the  human  frame  is  almost 
stiffened  with  cold  or  scorched  with  sunshine ; — at  a  season  too  when 
distinguished  success  follows  such  pious  endeavors,  and  when  we  are 
loudly  called  upon  to  come  "to  the  help  of  the  Lord,  to  the  help  of 
the  Lord  against  the  mighty,"  we  feel  desirous  of  addressing  you  on 
the  important  subject  of  Christian  missions. 

We  will  endeavor,  by  divine  assistance,  to  exhibit — 

I.  The  principles  on  which  they  proceed. 

II.  The  extent  to  which  they  have  been  carried,  and 

III.  The  encouragements  we  possess  for  future  exertions. 

I.  In  inquiring  into  the  principles  which  have  given  birth  to  mis- 
sionary toils,  we  are  struck  with  the  difference  between  them  and 
those  principles  which  actuate  the  world.  Distant  climes  are  not 
traced  that  wealth  may  be  gotten,  reputation  and  ease  secured — that 
curiosity  may  be  indulged,  or  the  blood  of  thousands  wantonly  shed. 
The  servant  of  Christ  goes  forth  prepared  to  suffer,  with  his  Lord, 
poverty  and  reproach ;  perils  from  his  countrymen  and  perils  from 
the  heathen.  The  awfulness  of  his  message  and  the  responsibility  of 
his  office  elevate  him  above  the  vanities  of  curiosity,  and  on  the  ban- 
ners which  he  plants  are  inscribed,  "  Peace  on  earth  and  good  will 
towards  men." 

The  following  principles  have  given  rise  to  Christian  missions,  and 
sway  the  conduct  of  faithful  missionaries: 

1.  A  deep  conviction  of  the  fallen  state  of  the  human  race. 

Once  indeed  man  was  in  honor,  but  now  he  is  in  disgrace.  "  Wo 
unto  us  that  we  have  sinned." — In  our  common  father  we  have  all 
sunk  in  the  abyss  of  original  defection,  and  are  all  actual  offenders 
against  a  righteous  God.  Many  have  endeavored  to  extenuate  the 
offences  of  the  heathen  world.  Idolaters  have  been  represented  as 
the  untaught  children  of  nature,  whom  the  Supreme  being  would 


MINUTES    OF  THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  427 

ratlier  pity  than  punish ;  but  such  are  not  the  representations  of  the 
holy  Scriptures,  the  oracles  of  divine  truth.  That  they  who  have 
sinned  without  the  law,  will  be  judged  without  the  law,  is  admitted ; 
but  it  is  expressly  declared,  that  "  the  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  from 
heaven  against  all  ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men."  That 
such  as  "  change  the  glory  of  the  uncorruptible  God  into  an  image" 
are  "without  excuse."  And  that  "the  judgment  of  God  is,"  that 
"  they  who  commit  such  things  are  worthy  of  death,"  Who  will  dare 
to  oppose  his  judgment  to  the  judgment  of  infinite  wisdom  and 
righteousness  ?  Or,  who  can  be  inactive  when  he  hears  the  Bible 
proclaim  "  Indignation  and  wrath,  tribulation  and  anguish,  upon 
every  soul  of  man  that  doeth  evil,  to  the  Jew  first  and  also  to  the 
Gentile  ?" 

2.  Another  principle  influencing  to  holy  labor  is — the  total 
inability  of  the  sons  and  daughters  of  men  to  deliver  themselves. 

The  Jews  on  our  earth,  amounting  to,  at  least,  seven  millions 
of  its  inhabitants,  are  still  resting  in  the  Mosaic  law,  a  law  which 
Christ  has  abolished,  and  which,  were  it  now  in  force,  could  not 
eflect  their  salvation,  it  being  impossible  for  the  blood  of  bulls  and 
goats  to  take  away  sin.  The  Mahometans,  whose  number  is  full  one 
hundred  and  thirty  millions,  found  their  hopes  of  paradise  on  zeal 
for  the  Koran,  veneration  for  Mahomet,  pilgrimages  to  Mecca,  and 
the  persecution  of  heretics;  but  alas,  what  can  these  do  for  a  sinner's 
salvation,  if,  as  we  are  persuaded,  the  Koran  is  false,  Mahomet  an 
impostor,  the  pilgrimage  folly,  and  the  persecution  iniquitous  ? — The 
heathen,  amounting  to  about  four  hundred  and  twenty  millions,  place 
their  expectations  of  life  eternal,  in  the  adoration  of  the  heavenly 
bodies,  or  of  idols,  which  having  eyes  see  not.  They  hope  for  salva- 
tion because  they  worship  and  wash  in  rivers,  or  because  they  torture 
and  abuse  their  bodies  in  a  variety  of  ways  at  which  reason  shudders 
and  humanity  weeps.  Spits  run  through  their  tongues,  threads 
passed  through  the  sides,  hooks  fastened  in  their  backs,  the  burning 
of  women  on  the  funeral  piles  of  their  husbands,  and  the  crushing 
to  death  of  men  under  the  wheels  of  the  carriages  of  their  gods,  are 
among  the  numberless  devices  invented  by  them  to  take  away  sin. — 
Of  the  remaining  inhabitants  of  our  earth,  consisting  of  one  hundred 
millions  of  Roman  Catholics,  forty-four  millions  of  Protestants,  and 
thirty  millions  of  the  Greek  and  Armenian  churches,  how  many  are 
found  depending  on  future  happiness  on  penances,  dispensations  and 
unscriptural  rights  and  ceremonies.  Do  and  live  was  the  law  given 
to  man  in  innocence.  Do  and  live  is  the  favorite  maxim  of  our  fallen 
race ;  whereas  all  our  doings  are  polluted,  and  the  word  of  God  ex- 
pressly declares,  "  that  by  the  deeds  of  the  law  no  flesh  living  shall 
be  justified." 

3.  Another  principle  is,  that  there  is  in  Christ  all  that  fulness  of 
salvation  that  poor  and  miserable  sinners  stand  in  need  of. 

Jesus  Christ  is  the  glorious  Mediator  between  God  and  man :  his 
blood  can  atone  and  his  righteousness  can  justify.  His  Holy  Spirit  can 
change  the  stoutest  heart,  arrest  the  deepest  prejudices,  beget  in  the 


428  MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

breast  -where  sin  has  abounded  the  most  fervent  desires  after  perfect 
holiness,  and  transform  the  most  infatuated  idolator,  or  the  most 
abandoned  profligate,  into  a  child  of  wisdom  and  an  exemplary  saint. 
The  faithful  missionary  knows  that  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord  is  ap- 
pointed of  the  Father,  and  is  exalted  by  his  own  merit,  to  be  a  hiding 
place  from  the  storm  and  a  covert  from  the  tempest,  and  that  there 
is  "  no  other  name  under  heaven  given  among  men  whereby  we  can 
be  saved." — An  experimental  sense,  therefore,  of  the  glory  and  the 
worth  of  the  Redeemer,  inspires  the  wish  that  all  the  ends  of  the 
earth  may  come  and  serve  him. 

4.  It  animates  the  heart  farther  to  learn  that  this  way  of  salva- 
tion shall  be  known  in  all  the  earth. 

The  sacred  page  is  replete  with  prophecies  to  this  effect.  A  few 
may  serve  as  a  specimen  of  many.  "  It  shall  come  to  pass,in  the  last 
days,  that  the  mountain  of  the  Lord's  house  shall  be  established 
in  the  top  of  the  mountains  and  shall  b|^  exalted  above  the  hills,  and 
all  nations  shall  flow  unto  it,"  Isa.  ii.  2.  "For  the  earth  shall  be 
full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea,"  Isa. 
xi.  9.  "Living  waters  shall  go  out  from  Jerusalem," — like  an  ocean 
breaking  forth  on  each  side, — "  half  of  them  towards  the  former  sea, 
and  half  of  them  towards  the  hinder  sea:  in  summer  and  winter 
shall  it  be.  And  the  Lord  shall  be  King  over  all  the  earth ;  in  that 
day  shall  there  be  one  Lord,  and  his  name  one,"  Zech.  xiv.  8,  9. 
"  Afterward  he  measured  a  thousand ;  and  it  was  a  river  that  I  could 
not  pass  over :  for  the  waters  were  risen,  waters  to  swim  in,  a  river 
that  could  not  be  passed  over,"  Ezek.  xlvii.  5.  The  progress  of 
Christ's  kingdom  will  be  gradual,  like  the  growth  of  the  mustard  tree 
or  the  operation  of  leaven,  but  at  larft  it  will  be  victorious.  The  stone 
which  has  already  smitten  the  image  is  becoming  a  great  mountain 
and  must  fill  the  earth. 

5.  We  will  mention  but  one  missionary  principle  more,  namely, — 
That  the  means  by  which,  instrumentally,  the  great  work  is  to 
be  effected,  is  the  ministration  of  the  Divine  Word. 

We  would  not  be  understood  as  supposing  that  this  is  the  only 
means.  Whenever  salvation  goes  forth  as  a  lamp  that  burnetii,  it 
will  be  in  answer  to  the  prayers  of  Zion,  and  as  it  extends,  private 
Christians  will,  in  their  several  circles,  be  instructors  too:  "Every 
man  shall  teach  his  neighbor  and  every  man  his  brother  until  all 
shall  know  the  Lord."  The  King  of  kings  may  also  render  famines, 
earthquakes,  pestilence,  wars,  or  revolutions  of  empires,  channels  of 
peculiar  instruction ;  but,  it  is  at  least  presumable,  that  under  the 
indefatigable  labors  of  Zion's  missionaries,  his  kingdom  will  come. 
Earthen  vessels  will  bear  the  celestial  treasure.  The  commission  of 
Christ  directs  his  ministers  to  "go  out  into  all  the  world."  "Many 
shall  run  to  and  fro  and  knowledge  shall  be  increased."  Israel  an- 
ciently was  often  recovered  from  the  backslidiugs  by  the  holy  pro- 
phets. The  light  of  the  reformation  came  forth  and  spread,  while 
eminent  men  of  God  were  bearing  their  testimony.  Then  may  we 
not  hope,  and  ardently  expect,  that  the  glory  of  the  latter  day  will 


MINUTES   OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  429 

be  visible,  when  the  precious  sound  of  evangelical  ministers  has 
gone  out  into  all  lands  and  "  their  words  unto  the  ends  of  the 
world?" 

II.  Influenced  by  these  important  considerations,  and  urged  on  by 
the  love  of  immortal  souls,  many  of  the  servants  of  Immanuel 
have  gone  forth,  and  are  now  employed  in  various  and  distant 
climes. 

To  give  you,  dear  brethren,  a  full  statement  of  the  extent  and 
success  of  their  labors  would,  were  it  even  in  our  power,  be  trans- 
gressing the  bounds  prescribed  for  our  annual  epistle.  We  will,  how- 
ever, in  as  brief  a  manner  as  possible,  mention  a  few  facts  for  your 
information  and  encouragement. 

The  commission  of  our  Lord,  as  before  observed,  directed  the 
apostles  to  go  and  teach  "all  nations,"  and,  in  Mark  xvi.  20,  we  read 
that  they  went  forth  and  preached  "everywhere."  They  were  not 
stationed  ministers,  but  itinerating  missionaries.  From  the  testi- 
mony of  Eusebius  and  others,  it  appears  that  Peter  visited  Pontus, 
Galatia,  and  the  places  adjacent;  that  Andrew  directed  his  course 
into  Scythia,  John  into  Lesser  Asia,  Philip  into  Media  and  Armenia, 
Bartholomew  into  Arabia,  Matthew  into  Persia,  Thomas  into  Judea, 
Jude  into  Syria,  Simon  the  Canaanite  into  Lybia  and  Egypt,  and 
Matthias  into  Capadocia ;  while  Paul,  as  a  seraph,  flew  almost  every- 
where to  win  souls  to  Jesus  Christ. 

The  first  age  of  Christianity  was  eminently  an  age  of  missions.  But 
after  the  decease  of  the  apostles,  the  seed  they  had  sown  was  left  to 
spring  up, — corruptions  gradually  entered  the  church, — the  man  of 
sin  began  at  length  to  be  revealed,  and  desire  for  the  salvation  of 
men  was  lost  in  the  pursuit  of  ecclesiastical  usurpation,  pomp,  and 
revenue. 

It  is  however,  a  very  remarkable  circumstance,  that  in  modern 
missions  Papal  Rome  has  led  the  way. — "  When  the  Roman  Pon- 
tiffs," says  Moshiem,  "saw  their  ambition  checked  by  the  progress 
of  the  Reformation,  which  deprived  them  of  a  great  part  of  their 
spiritual  dominion  in  Europe,  they  turned  their  lordly  views  towards 
the  other  parts  of  the  globe."  The  society,  which  in  the  year  1540, 
took  the  denomination  of  Jesuits,  or  the  company  of  Jesus,  were  by 
the  Pope  chiefly  employed,  at  first  in  India,  Japan  and  China,  after 
which  they  spared  no  pains  in  propagating  their  erroneous  sentiments 
in  the  West  Indies  and  on  the  continent  of  America. 

In  the  year  1556,  Protestants  began  to  feel  for  the  nations  involved 
in  paganism.  Fourteen  missionaries  were  sent  from  Geneva  to 
America.  The  Swedes  also  exerted  their  zeal  for  the  conversion  of 
the  superstitious  Laplanders,  and  both  the  English  and  the  Dutch 
carried  with  them  into  their  increasing  foreign  settlements  the  doc- 
trines of  the  reformation. 

Early  in  the  last  century  the  Moravians  began  to  organize  and 
exert  themselves  in  the  missionary  cause.  Their  spheres  of  action 
have  gradually  increased ;  besides  their  missions  in  six  of  the  West 
India  islands,  they  have  settlements  in  Greenland,  Upper  Canada, 


430  MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

and  Soutli  America ;  tlieir  missionaries  are  employed  also  at  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope,  on  the  coast  of  Labrador,  and  in  the  Russian  part 
of  Asia.  The  zeal,  the  afflictions,  and  the  success  of  these  United 
Brethren  have  been  great. 

Patronized  by  Christians  in  Scotland  and  in  America,  Elliott, 
Brainerd,  Edwards,  and  others  labored  among  the  aborigines  of  our 
country;  but  it  was  not  till  about  the  year  1790,  that  the  great  mis- 
sionary spirit,  which  now  exists,  began  to  diffuse  itself. 

On  the  minds  of  our  Brother  Carey  and  of  several  of  the  brethren 
of  the  Northamptonshire  Baptist  Association  in  England,  the  case 
of  the  benighted  pagans  lay  with  weight.  Prayer  meetings  for  the 
spread  of  the  gospel  were  established,  and  a  pamphlet  was  composed 
and  published  by  Brother  Carey,  stating  and  enforcing  the  obliga- 
tions of  Christians  to  exert  themselves  for  the  conversion  of  the 
heathen.  The  holy  flame  spread,  until  in  the  year  1792,  the  Bap- 
tist missionary  society  was  formed.  Bengal  was  determined  upon  as 
the  seat  of  the  mission,  and  our  Brethren  Carey  and  Thomas  were 
first  sent  thither.  A  mission  house  has  been  purchased  and  a  church 
constituted  at  Serampore,  near  Calcutta.  Many  of  the  natives  have 
been  added  to  the  Lord,  and  some  of  them  have  died  triumphing  in 
redeeming  love.  Though  the  mission  has  suffered  loss  in  the  removal 
of  several  of  the  missionaries  by  death,  yet  the  loss  has  been  re- 
paired by  the  accession  of  others.  Ten  or  twelve  brethren  with 
their  wives  were,  by  the  latest  accounts,  engaged  there  in  advancing 
a  Bedeemer's  interest.  Several  natives,  and  some  of  them  Brah- 
mans,  are  also  preachers  of  a  glorious  gospel.  A  new  church  has 
lately  been  formed  at  Dinagepore,  under  the  care  of  Brother  Fer- 
nandez, and  the  constitution  of  two  or  three  more  churches  was  in 
contemplation  when  our  brethren  last  wrote  us.  Twenty-seven  per- 
sons were  baptized  last  year,  and  fifteen  more  were  under  hopeful 
impressions.  The  whole  word  of  God  is  translated  into  the  Ben- 
galee, and  the  second  edition  of  the  New  Testament  is  in  the  press. 
Nearly  the  whole  of  the  New  and  some  parts  of  the  Old  Testament 
are  translated  into  Mahratta,  Orissa,  Hindostanee,  and  Persian 
Liaguages,  and  the  good  work  is  still  proceeding.  The  gains  that 
aie  drawn  by  our  Brother  Carey  from  the  College  of  Fort  William,  in 
which  he  is  the  oriental  professor,  and  those  by  our  Brother  Marsh- 
man  from  the  school,  and  by  our  Brother  Ward  from  the  press,  are 
cordially  devoted,  as  are  the  gains  of  all  the  brethren,  to  the  advance- 
ment of  the  cause  of  Jesus.  Oh  that  the  Lord  may  abundantly  re- 
compense their  self-denial,  and  gloriously  prosper  their  arduous  and 
pious  effort ! 

By  the  same  society  an  attempt  was  made  to  establish  a  mission 
at  Sierra  Leone,  in  Africa.  Two  brethren  were  sent  thither,  but 
the  sickness  of  the  one  and  the  imprudent  political  interference  of 
the  other,  terminated  the  favorable  expectations  which  were  indulged 
of  a  settlement  on  that  coast. 

The  piety,  the  engagedness,  and  the  activity,  which  were  so  visible 
among  the  members  of  the  Baptist  churches,  operated  on  other  evan- 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  431 

gelical  societies  to  such  a  commendable  degree  as  to  produce  anxious 
desires  to  be  employed  in  the  same  waj. 

Hence,  in  the  year  1795,  two  hundred  ministers  of  different  deno- 
minations assembled  in  London  and  formed  "  the  London  Missionary 
Society."  Large  sums  have  been  collected,  and  this  numerous  society 
is  zealously  alive  in  causing  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  to  be  made 
known  far  and  wide.  Its  first  efforts  were  directed  toward  the  islands 
in  the  South  Seas.  They  have  since  sent  missionaries  to  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  Canada,  Newfoundland,  and  India,  It  is  generally  be- 
lieved that  there  are  under  their  patronage  about  one  hundred  mis- 
sionaries. 

Several  societies  of  a  similar  kind  have  arisen  of  late  in  Scotland, 
and  other  parts  of  Europe,  and  in  the  United  States. 

Aided  by  our  Baptist  friends,  and  especially  by  the  New  York  con- 
vention, our  Brother  Holmes  has  labored  among  the  Indians  of  the 
Six  Nations,  among  whom,  to  the  praise  of  illustrious  grace,  great 
inquiries  have  been  made -respecting  the  way  to  heaven. 

At  the  last  Association  in  New  York,  a  Baptist  mission  society  was 
established  there. 

The  Dutch  Reformed  Church  have  also  sent  missionaries  on  the 
frontiers  of  our  country  and  into  Upper  Canada. 

The  Methodists  likewise,  amidst  great  opposition  and  persecution, 
are  persevering  in  maintaining  a  public  ministry  among  the  negroes 
and  others  in  the  West  Indies. 

The  Massachusetts  Baptist  Mission  Society,  which  was  formed  in 
May,  1802,  have,  in  manifold  instances,  found  the  blessings  of  the 
Lord  following  their  Christian  and  benevolent  exertions.  The  maga- 
zine published  by  them  quarterly,  the  profits  of  which  are  appro- 
priated for  the  furtherance  of  the  cause  of  God  and  of  truth,  is 
fraught  with  desirable  information  on  this  interesting  subject. 

The  Philadelphia  Baptist  Missionary  Society,  of  which  several  of 
us  are  members,  though  of  recent  formation,  has  not  been  left  to 
struggle  in  vain.  Brother  T.  G.  Jones,  who  is  our  missionary  in  the 
eastern  parts  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  has  already  made  a  communica- 
tion of  agreeable  tidings.  In  order  to  baptize  believers  in  Jesus, 
he  has  led  them  into  waters  where  this  holy  ordinance  was  never  ad- 
ministered before,  and  on  a  late  tour  he  constituted  a  new  Baptist 
church  near  the  town  of  Lisbon.  Numbers  listened  eagerly  to  the 
preaching  of  the  cross,  and  in  the  work  his  heart  appears  to  be  much 
enlarged. 

The  general  assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  the  United 
States  has  of  late  become  a  missionary  body.  During  the  three 
years  previous  to  1802,  seven  or  eight  missionaries  were  annually 
employed,  and  since  then  have  increased  to  fifteen  or  twenty.  The 
principal  spheres  of  their  exertions  are  among  the  settlers  on  the 
frontiers  of  the  country,  the  blacks  and  a  few  of  the  Indian  tribes. 
The  Charleston  Baptist  Association  of  South  Carolina,  at  their 
last  session,  received  favorable  accounts  from  their  missionary, 
Brother  John  Booker,  relative  to  his  ministration  among  the  Catawba 


432  MINUTES    OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION". 

Indians.     They  have  engaged  him  to  continue  with  them,  and  are 
about  establishing  a  school  for  the  instruction  of  their  youth. 

Of  the  Congregational  Mission  Societies  of  Connecticut,  Massa- 
chusetts, and  New  Hami^shire,  we  would  now  give  brief  statements, 
with  pleasure,  were  it  not  for  the  circumscribed  limits  of  our  annual 
letter.  We  wish  them  every  one  success,  so  far  as  truth  is  maintained, 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of  Sabaoth ! 

III.  And  now,  beloved  brethren,  from  the  unvarnished  accounts 
we  have  given  you,  though  by  far  too  short,  permit  us  Avith  all  seri- 
ousness to  intreat  you  to  judge  of  the  signs  of  the  times.  Have  we 
not  almost  superabounding  encouragements  for  future  exertions  ? — 
The  sky  looks  red  and  we  think  rain  may  be  expected.  Oh  for 
showers  of  righteousness  to  bless  the  plains  below ! 

Prophecy,  as  it  relates  to  time,  is  no  rule  of  action.  It  has  been 
the  pleasure  of  the  Holy  Ghost  so  to  involve  in  mystery  the  num- 
bers, according  to  which  the  time  when  "these  things  shall  be"  is 
to  arrive,  as  that  the  profoundest  theologians,  the  ablest  servants  of 
Jesus  have  been,  and  still  are,  divided  in  their  interpretations  of  the 
same.  But  if  the  time,  the  set  time  to  favor  Zion  may  be  known  by 
her  children  taking  pleasure  in  her  stones,  we  cannot  but  ardently 
hope  that  it  is  at  hand. 

The  best  interpreter  of  prophecy  is  its  fulfilment.  It  is  an  excel- 
lent remark  of  Sir  Isaac  Newton,  that  "  The  folly  of  interpreters  has 
been  to  foretell  times  and  things  by  prophecy,  as  if  God  designed  to 
make  them  prophets.  The  design  of  God  was  much  otherwise.  He 
gave  the  revelations  of  John  and  the  prophecies  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, not  to  gratify  men's  curiosity  by  enabling  them  to  foreknow 
things,  but  that  after  they  were  fulfilled,  they  might  be  interpreted 
by  the  event;  and  his  own  providence,  not  the  interpreter's,  be  ma- 
nifested thereby  to  the  world."  Such  seems  to  be  the  meaning  of 
the  answer  of  the  "  man  clothed  in  linen,  who  was  uj^on  the  waters  of 
the  river,"  to  Daniel  (Ch.  xii.  9.)  The  prophet  was  eager  to  know 
what  and  what  manner  of  time  the  prophecy  he  had  heard  referred 
to :  the  reply  was,  "  Go  thy  way,  Daniel,  for  the  words  are  closed  up 
and  sealed  till  the  time  of  the  end."  The  keys  of  time,  as  the  great, 
Poole  observes,  "hang  only  at  the  girdle  of  Christ." 

The  object  of  missionary  societies,  beloved  brethren,  is  great, 
greater  indeed  than  the  Reformation  itself.  That  aimed  at  the 
overthrow  of  the  beast;  this  at  the  destruction  of  the  dragon,  from 
whom  the  beast  derived  its  power:  "  For  this  purpose  was  the  Son  of 
God  manifested,  that  he  might  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil."  The 
Almighty  Conqueror  is  on  his  way.  In  numbers  of  our  churches,  in 
various  parts  of  our  Union,  the  preaching  of  the  cross  is  evidently 
the  power  of  God.  The  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  have  also  fur- 
nished us  with  songs  ! — 0  may  the  season  soon  come  when 

"  Europe  and  Asia  shall  resound, 

With  Africa,  his  fame  ; 
And  thou  !  America,  in  songs 

Redeeming  love  proclaim." 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  433 

0  that  we  all  may  be  truly  active  in  tlie  Saviour's  cause.  "  There 
is  the  same  difference  between  diligence  and  neglect  or  idleness,  as 
between  a  garden  curiously  kept,  and  the  sluggard's  field.  The  one 
is  clothed  with  beauty,  the  other  with  deformity."  That  the  eternal 
God  may  be  glorified,  immortal  souls  saved,  civil  society  benefited, 
savage  cruelties  superseded,  and  millennial  days  introduced,  are 
among  the  many  objects  contemplated  by  the  industrious  sons  and 
daughters  of  grace.  They  cannot  sleep  as  do  others ! — If  Macarius 
did  penance  for  only  killing  a  gnat;  if  the  least  misconduct  require 
purification,  as  was  the  case  with  the  Jews  when  they  touched  things 
unclean,  what  must,  on  reflection,  be  the  suffering  of  those  professing 
Christians,  who,  owing  to  their  indifference  or  sloth,  cannot  be  repre- 
sented— to  put  the  most  favorable  construction  on  their  demeanor — 
as  SAVING  MUCH  PEOPLE  ALIVE  !  What  purifications,  what  interpo- 
sitions of  mercy  will  they  stand  in  need  of,  who,  while  thousands 
around  them  are  full  of  energy  in  order  to  promote  the  universal 
spread  of  the  gospel  of  peace,  are  themselves  indulging  in  sleep ! 
"0  our  souls,  come  not  ye  into  their  secret;  unto  their  assemblies," 
let  each  one  of  us  say,  "  mine  honor,  be  not  thou  united."  The  indus- 
trious bee,  by  his  sedulity  in  summer,  lives  on  honey  all  th^  winter, 
•while  the  drone  is  not  only  cast  out,  but  beaten  and  punished.  Dear 
brethren,  imitate  the  industrious  bee  ;  feast  on  the  luxuries  of  well- 
doing. Oh  be  much  in  prayer.  Our  Lord  teaches  us  before  we  ask  for 
daily  bread,  to  petition  for  the  coming  of  his  kingdom.  May  we  be 
watchful  against  sin  and  Satan,  circumspect  in  our  deportment,  pa- 
tient in  suffering,  fervent  in  spirit,  active  in  duty,  and  joyful  in  hope. 
That  the  God  of  peace  may  sanctify  you  wholly,  is  the  prayer  of 
yours,  in  a  dear  Redeemer, 

Henry  Smallet,  Moderator. 
William  Staughton,  Clerk. 


It  has  been  the  pleasure  of  the  Supreme  Head  of  the  church  to 
remove  from  us,  this  year,  our  beloved  Brother  James  Ewing. 
"Blessed  are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord." 


55 


434 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


THE  MINISTERS   AND  MESSENGERS  AT  THE   ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


CHURCHES. 

MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

1 

'p 
1 

B 
8 
x 

1 

1 

•6 

1 

1 

i 

'  Samuel  Jones, 

Lower  Dublin,             ^ 

Benjamin  Duugan, 
Thomas  Holmes, 
Jesse  Dungan, 
Abednego  T.  Whitton, 
^Joseph  Wright, 

10 

12 

3 

0 

1 

2 

124 

Middletown, 

Benjamin  Bennet, 
Jehu  Patterson, 

2 

0 

1 

1 

0 

4 

140 

Cohansie, 

Henry  S mallet, 
Jeremiah  Brooks, 
Nathan  Shepherd, 
James  Shepherd, 

17 

2 

3 

1 

0 

2 

195 

Great  Valley, 

■  David  Jones, 
Horatio  G.  Jones, 
Isaac  Abraham, 
Michael  M'Cleas, 
David  George, 

2 

0 

2 

0 

0 

3 

64 

Cape  May, 

Hopewell, 
1st  church, 

Jonathan  Garman,* 

1 
2 

0 
0 

2 

2 

1 

2 

0 

1 

2 
5 

42 
150 

David  Stout, 
Abraham  Servis, 
Jesse  Stout, 

Brandywine, 

■Joshua  A^aughan, 
Thomas  Baldwin, 
Thomas  Hickman, 
John  Powell, 

^William  Griffith, 

9 

4 

3 

0 

0 

3 

122 

Montgomery, 

^  Silas  Hough, 
Charles  Humphrey, 
Joseph  Lunn, 
William  Johnson, 

^William  CoUom, 

o 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

85 

Kingwood, 

Garner  A.  Hunt, 
Daniel  Bray, 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

115 

Hight's  Town, 

Peter  Wilson, 

28 

1 

50 

1 

0 

2 

328 

Philadelphia, 
1st  church. 

^William  Staughton, 
William  Rogers, 
John  P.  Peckworth, 
Thomas  Billings, 
George  IngoUs, 
Joseph  Keen, 
Hugh  Gorley, 
Sampson  Davis, 
Jared  Sexton, 
Levi  Garret, 
Benjamin  Thaw, 
John  M'Leod, 

61 

20 

4 

2 

0 

3 

262 

Dividing  Creek, 

David  Stout, 
Jonadab  Shepherd, 

1 

0 

2 

0. 

0 

1 

58 

MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


435 


CHURCHES. 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


Southampton, 
Knowlton,f 
New  Britain, 

Salem, 

New  Mills, 

Upper  Freehold, 
Pittsgrove, 

Manahawkin, 

Vincent, 

Tuckahoe, 

Hilltown, 

Jacob's  Town, 
Marcus  Hook, 

Roxbury, 

West  Creek, 
Shemokin, 

Amwell, 

Burlington, 

Mount  Holly, 
Dover,  York  co..  Pa. 


{Thomas  B.  Montanye, 
Elias  Yerkes, 
William  Maghee, 
John  Folwell, 


J  Edward  Matthews, 
1  Ephraim  Thomas, 
[  William  James, 

(Thomas  Brown, 
John  Walker, 
Joseph  Llojd, 


j  Isaac  Carlisle, 
I  Benjamin  Hedger, 
[Lemuel  Howell,* 


{Edward  Jennings, 
Samuel  Gray, 


James  Thomas, 


Elias  Smith, 
Thomas  Doughty, 

(Joseph  Matthias, 
Philip  Miller, 
John  Matthias, 

BuRGiss  Allison, 


Thomas  Fleeson, 
John  Levering, 
Anthony  Levering, 
[John  Walraven, 

Peter  Groom,* 

f  John  Patten,* 
I  John  Hill, 


James  M'Laughlin, 
Nathaniel  Higgins, 


William  Bosicell, 
Joseph  Shepherd, 
Thomas  Potts, 
Stephen  C.  Ustick, 
i  Matthew  Randall, 


William  Rogers, 


William  Layard, 


12 


127 
17 


6    0 


0 

0    0 
0:  0 


109 

114 
97 
19 

69 
46 

29 

123 
60 
20 

55 
52 

91 

77 


0  82 
85 
21 


436 


MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


Philadelphia, 
2d  church, 


Hopewell, 
2d  church, 


Blockley, 

Squan,f 

Evesham, 


Trenton  and 
Lamberton, 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


'  William  White, 
Thomas  Timruings, 
Isaac  Johnson, 
Adam  Corfield, 
Thomas  Gilbert, 
James  Wiley, 


Levi  Knowles, 


Heath  Norberry, 
William  Sheldrake, 
George  C.  Lentner, 


'Alexander  M'Gowan, 
Joseph  Evans, 
Job  Lippincott, 
Amos  Sharp, 


Amos  Raeder, 
John  Sunderland, 


263 


0 
174 


163 
54 


3456 


Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers 
in  italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  not  present.  From  the  churches  marked  thus  f 
received  no  intelligence.      A  dash  denotes  no  settled  minister. 


MINUTES 


PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION, 

held  by  appointment  at  philadelphia,  october 
6th,  7th,  and  8th, 

1807. 


October  6th. — At  three  o'clock,  p.  M.,  Brother  Samuel  Jones 
preached  the  introductory  sermon,  from  Isa.  liv.  2,  3,  "  Enlarge  the 
place  of  thy  tent,  and  let  them  stretch  forth  the  curtains  of  thine 
habitations;  spare  not,  lengthen  thy  cords,  and  strengthen  thy 
stakes ;  for  thou  shalt  break  forth  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left ; 
and  thy  seed  shall  inherit  the  Gentiles,  and  make  the  desolate  cities 
to  be  inhabited."* 

2.  After  sermon,  business  was  opened  with  prayer,  when  Brother 
William  Staughton  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother  William 
White,  clerk. 

3.  Letters  from  thirty-four  churches  were  read. 
Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
Brother  Runyan  prayed. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  Lebeus  Lathrop,  from  Hebrews 
xiii.  5. 

October  7th,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M. — Met  agreeably  to  adjournment. 
Brother  M' Go  wan  prayed. 

4.  Ministering  brethren  of  sister  Associations,  and  of  good  stand- 
ing in  their  respective  churches,  who  were  present,  were  invited  to  a 
seat. 

5.  The  newly  constituted  church  of  Frankford,  applied  for  admis- 
sion into  this  body,  and  were  accordingly  received. 

6.  Received  corresponding  letters  and  minutes  from  the  following 
Associations,  viz: — From  Charleston,  a  letter  and  minutes;  from 
New  York,  minutes  and  corresponding  letters,  by  their  messengers, 
Brethren  Reune  Runyan  and  Jacob  F.  Randolph;  from  Warren, 
minutes  and  letters  for  1806  and  1807  ;  from  the  Redstone  Associa- 
tion, a  letter  and  minutes ;  from  the  Warwick  Association,  a  letter 
and  minutes,  presented  by  their  messenger,  Lebeus  Latlu'op ;  from 
the  Delaware,  a  letter  and  minutes,  by  their  messenger  Daniel 
Dodge  ;  from  the  Shaftsbury,  a  letter  and  minutes ;  from  the  Ston 
ington,  their  circular,  corresponding  letter,  and  minutes. 

*  The  Sermon  will  be  found  at  the  end  of  the  volume. — Ed. 

(437) 


438  MINUTES    OF    THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 

7.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed  to  write  to  the  corres- 
ponding Associations  : — To  Charleston,  Brother  Samuel  Jones ;  New 
York,  Silas  Hough ;  Warren,  Burgiss  Allison ;  Bedstone,  Horatio  G. 
Jones  ;  Miami,  David  Jones  ;  Delaware,  Daniel  Sharp ;  Shaftsbury, 
John  Boggs ;  Stonington,  Thomas  B.  Montauye ;  Chemung,  Peter 
Wilson;  Warwick,  William  Staughton. 

8.  Appointed  messengers  to  the  following  Associations  : — To  New 
York,  William  Staughton,  John  P.  Peckworth,  and  Peter  Wilson ;  to 
the  Warren,  Thomas  B.  Montanye,  Burgiss  Allison,  and  William 
White  ;  to  the  Redstone,  John  Patton ;  to  the  Delaware,  James 
M'Laughlin  and  Joshua  Vaughan ;  to  the  Chemung,  David  Jones. 

9.  Brethren  Peckworth,  M'Laughlin,  and  Matthias,  were  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  minutes  of  the  several  corresponding  Asso- 
ciations, to  report  to  this  body  such  things  therein  as  particularly 
have  respect  to  us. 

10.  The  circular  letter  drawn  up  by  our  Brother  Staughton,  was 
read,  and  our  Brethren  Samuel  Jones,  and  Thomas  B.  Montanye, 
in  conjunction  with  the  writer,  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
revise  it. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  p.  m. 
Brother  Fleeson  prayed. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  m. — Met  pursuant  to  adjournment.  Brother 
David  Jones  prayed. 

11.  In  answer  to  the  query  from  the  first  church  in  Philadelphia: 
"  Would  it  not  be  advisable  to  appoint  a  committee  to  examine  and 
see  if  there  be  not  rules  in  the  new  system  of  discipline  which  are 
discordant  with  the  old,  and  which  might  be  so  connected  as  to  ren- 
der them  both  harmonious  ?" 

Resolved,  That  it  is  not  expedient. 

12.  It  is  recommended  that  the  quarterly  prayer  meetings  be  con- 
tinued, excepting  the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  instead  of  which  the 
Association  recommends  the  Thursday  preceding. 

13.  It  is  again  recommended  to  the  churches  respectively  of  this 
body,  that  collections  be  made,  or  subscriptions  raised,  to  support  the 
domestic  mission. 

14.  This  Association  again  repeats  their  recommendation  to  the 
churches,  that  collections  be  made,  and  repeated,  if  convenient,  to 
assist  the  Serampore  mission  in  the  translation  of  the  Scriptures. 

15.  Appointed  supplies :  for  Dover,  Freehold,  Frankford,  King- 
wood,  West  Creek  and  Tuckahoe,  Trenton  and  Manahawkin. 

16.  Query  from  the  first  church  in  Philadelphia :  "Would  it  not  cor- 
respond with  the  design  of  the  original  donors,  relieve  the  Associa- 
tion of  much  solicitude,  and  tend  more  to  the  profit  of  the  churches, 
if  the  Association  library  were  to  be  distributed  equitably  among 
them  ?  And  if  so,  would  it  not  be  expedient  to  advise  the  churches, 
or  private  members,  to  transmit  to  the  city,  at  or  before  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Association,  whatsoever  books  they  may  possess,  or 
can  find,  by  their  delegates,  that  such  distribution  may  be  made  ?" 

To  which  the  anwer  was  in  the  affimative;  and  the  churches  and 


MINUTES   OF   THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  439 

brethren  who  have  books  in  their  possession,  are  earnestly  requested 
to  forward  them  accordingly  to  Brother  Staughton,  who  will,  on  ac- 
count of  this  Association,  defray  the  expenses  accruing  on  their 
removal. 

Adjourned  till  eleven  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Brother  Wilson  prayed. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  Reune  Runyan,  from  Mark  iii.  3. 

October  8th,  eleven  o'clock,  A.  m. — Met  agreeably  to  adjournment. 
Brother  Allison  prayed. 

17.  The  circular  letter  presented  by  the  committee,  was  by  the 
Association  adopted  without  amendment. 

18.  Brother  Montanye  is  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter  for 
the  next  year. 

19.  Brother  William  White  is  appointed  to  preach  the  Association 
sermon  of  next  year;  in  case  of  failure,  Brother  Thomas  Brown. 

20.  Query  from  the  church  of  Blockley :  Is  it  consistent  for  an 
excommunicated  minister  to  perform  the  solemnities  of  marriage  be- 
tween persons  ?  Can  such  marriages  be  viewed  by  us,  as  a  people, 
as  strictly  legal. 

This  Association  are  of  opinion  that,  with  an  excommunicated 
minister  we  have  no  more  to  do,  except  as  it  may  relate  to  the  an- 
nouncing of  such  excommunication ;  the  law  or  any  society  he  may 
join,  must  become  the  judge  of  his  conduct ;  for  ourselves,  we  can- 
not countenance  such  marriages. 

21.  The  thanks  of  this  Association  are  presented  by  this  body  to 
our  aged  Brother  Samuel  Jones,  for  his  laborious  Association  dis- 
course.   They  request  the  favor  of  a  copy  for  publication. 

22.  The  churches  in  our  connection  are  cautioned  against  impos- 
tors, several  of  whom,  we  understand,  are  now  going  about ;  and 
we  solicit  sister  Associations  to  give  us  every  information  in  their 
power  relative  to  persons  of  such  character,  and  we  will  do  the  same 
as  they  may  come  under  our  notice. 

28.  The  churches  in  our  connection  are  notified  that  John  But- 
ter, late  pastor  of  Blockley  church,  has  been  excommunicated ;  they 
will  therefore  not  countenance  him  as  a  preacher. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Brother  Montanye  prayed. 

Met  agreeably  to  adjournment.     Brother  Jarman  prayed. 

24.  Understanding  that  Mr.  W.  W.  Woodward,  of  Philadel- 
phia, has  issued  proposals  for  the  publication  of  Dr.  Gill's  "  Exposi- 
tion of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,"  this  Association  resolves  to 
support  the  publishing  of  the  work  to  the  utmost ;  they  also  recom- 
mend to  each  church  to  subscribe  for  a  copy  of  this  incomparable 
work  for  the  use  of  their  minister,  and  urge  on  all  their  sister  Asso- 
ciations to  aid  in  the  accomplishment  of  this  desirable  object. 

25.  This  Association  recommend  a  neat,  correct,  cheap,  and  ori- 
ginal edition  of  Watts'  Psalms  and  Hymns,  just  published,  with  a 
view  to  accommodate  the  Baptist  churches,  by  Mr.  Dobson  of  this 
city.    They  may  be  had  of  our  Brother  John  Bradley,  No.  78  Market 


140  MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

Street.  Tliey  also  inform  the  churches  that  a  third  edition  of  the 
book  of  Hymns,  done  by  appointment  of  the  Association,  has  been 
published,  and  may  be  had  of  Mr.  Woodward,  or  Mr.  Dobson, 
Philadelphia. 

26.  The  letters  appointed  to  be  written  to  our  sister  Associations 
were  read  and  adopted. 

27.  The  Association  affectionately  recommend  to  the  churches 
with  whom  they  stand  connected,  to  make  their  letters  to  the  Asso- 
ciation as  short  as  may  be,  confining  them  chiefly  to  facts,  as  the 
reading  of  many  lengthy  letters  consumes  much  of  their  time. 

28.  This  Association  is  appointed  to  meet  the  first  Tuesday  in 
October,  1808,  in  the  first  Baptist  church,  Philadelphia,  and  in  case 
of  any  malignant  disease  in  the  city,  at  Trenton  and  Lamberton 
meeting  house. 

29.  Our  Brother  Stephen  C.  Ustick,  is  appointed  to  print  the 
minutes  and  letter ;  and  our  brethren  William  Staughton  and  William 
White  to  superintend  their  distribution. 

Concluded  wdth  j)rayer,  by  Brother  Hough. 

Sermon  this  evening  by  Brother  Dodge,  from  Hebrews  xii.  2,  and 
by  Brother  M'Laughlin,  from  Hebrews  xi.  6. 

CIRCULAR     LETTER. 

BY  RET.  WILLIAM  STAUGHTOX. 

The  ministers  and  messengers  of  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Asso- 
ciation, 

To  the  churches  they  severally  represent,  send  Christian  saluta- 
tion. 

Beloved  Brethren, — At  our  last  annual  meeting,  the  inquiry  was 
proposed,  as  the  subject  of  the  present  letter,  "What  are  the 
QUALIFICATIONS  OF  A  GOSPEL  MINISTER  ?"  The  question  is  an  im- 
portant one,  inasmuch  as,  on  a  proper  reply,  depend  not  only  the 
ability  of  a  candidate  for  the  oifice  of  the  ministry  to  examine  him- 
self, and  of  the  church  with  which  he  is  connected  to  judge  of  his 
talents,  but  also  the  discriminating  between  those  who  are  in  truth 
"  ministers  of  Christ  and  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God,"  and  those 
who  are  such  only  in  name. 

As  there  are  some  things  which  are  regarded  as  qualifications, 
which  in  reality  are  not,  and  others  that  are  supposed  to  disqualify, 
but  from  which  no  discouragement  ought  to  be  drawn,  a  few  distinc- 
tions must  be  made. 

We  need  not  prove  to  you  that  mere  morality  of  character,  powers 
of  eloquence,  or  heirships  to  livings  are  insufiicient :  a  heathen  or  an 
infidel  may  possess  them  all.  But  it  may  be  necessary  to  state 
that, 

1.  A  persuasion  in  the  mind  of  the  subject  himself  is  no  genuine 
proof.  We  acknowledge  that  whom  the  Lord  calls  he  inclines,  but 
desire  and  talent  are  different  things.  Most  young  Christians, 
brought  up  from  the  horrible  pit  and  taught  the  excellency  of  Jesus, 
feel  ardent  to  proclaim  his  character  to  thousands.    This  anxiety  for 


MINUTES  OF  THE  PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  441 

the  salvation  of  sinners  is  lovely  as  a  fruit  of  the  work  of  God  in 
the  heart.     It  designates  the  saint  but  not  the  preacher. 

2.  The  confident  decisions  of  friends  and  relatives  are  not  always 
to  be  trusted.  These,  the  youth  who  is  impatient  to  ascend  the  pul- 
pit, commonly  regards  as  sufficiently  confirming  the  propriety  of  his 
own  impressions.  He  is  not  aware  that  natural  affection  usurps  the 
seat  of  sober  judgment.  Many  a  fond  parent,  like  the  mother  of  the 
sons  of  Zebedee,  has  wished  a  child  exalted  in  the  service  of  Christ, 
without  observing  the  mixture  in  the  motives  which  govern  the  heart. 
To  long  earnestly  that  a  son  or  a  friend  may  glorify  God  in  the  work 
of  the  ministry  is  an  effect  of  grace,  while  the  sentiment  we  form  of 
his  ability  may  be  nothing  but  nature. 

3.  Success  is  no  satisfactory  proof  that  a  preacher  is  qualified  of 
God.  Many  whose  after-conduct  has  proved  them,  like  Simon  the 
sorcerer,  to  be  "in  the  gall  of  bitterness,"  have  been  useful  in  a  high 
degree.  They  have  urged  their  success  as  a  test  of  their  call.  But 
it  should  be  remembered  the  blessing  respects  the  doctrine,  not 
the  preacher,  God  has  said,  "  My  word  that  goeth  forth  out  of  my 
mouth  shall  not  return  unto  me  void  !"  This  glorious  word,  therefore, 
may  be  quick  and  powerful  though  its  preacher  be  held  in  the  bonds 
of  iniquity. 

There  are,  besides  these,  some  things  which  are  often  supposed  to 
disqualify,  but  do  not. 

1.  A  deep  persuasion  of  our  entire  unworthiness.  When  we  reflect 
ou  the  high  honor  done  by  the  Lord  to  his  faithful  ministers,  and 
connect  with  it,  in  our  meditation,  our  own  guilt  and  impurity,  we 
may  well  recede  and  exclaim,  "  Lord,  what  am  I,  or  what  my 
father's  house!"  To  appear  an  ambassador  of  Christ  and  to  stand 
in  His  stead  in  the  midst  of  the  great  congregation ;  to  be  employed 
in  the  hands  of  his  Spirit  in  training  up  the  children  of  God  for  man- 
sions in  their  Father's  house,  are  exercises  in  which  the  mightiest 
angel  in  heaven  might  glory.  But  if  only  the  worthy  are  to  serve 
in  the  sanctuary,  where  shall  they  be  found  ?  Paul,  who  came  not 
behind  the  chief  of  the  apostles,  with  relation  to  his  preaching  the 
unsearchable  riches  of  Christ,  terms  himself  "  less  than  the  least  of 
all  saints."  His  services  in  the  cause  of  his  Lord  were  attended 
"with  all  humility  of  mind,  and  with  many  tears  and  temptations." 
Self-abasement  will  aid  rather  than  hinder  in  the  work  of  God.  It 
will  trample  under  foot  the  serpent-pride,  and  cast  the  crown  at  the 
feet  of  Jesus. 

2.  Great  fear  and  trembling  of  spirit,  in  prospect  of  the  service, 
should  not  lead  to  the  conclusion  that  requisite  qualifications  are  not 
possessed.  When  we  reflect  on  the  solemnity  of  the  work,  and  on 
the  awful  responsibility  of  the  minister  of  God,  we  may  wonder  the 
dread  of  soul  is  no  greater.  "  Son  of  man,  (said  the  Lord  to 
Ezekiel,)  I  have  made  thee  a  watchman, — hear  the  word  of  my  mouth. 
When  I  say  to  the  wicked.  Thou  shalt  surely  die,  and  thou  givest  him 
not  warning,  the  wicked  man  shall  die  in  his  iniquity,  but  his  blood 
■will  I  require  at  thy  hand."  One  of  the  fathers  terms  the  sentence 

56 


442  MI^■UTES  OF  the  Philadelphia  association. 

tliunderbolts  and  not  ■words.  Tlie  sincere  minister  of  Christ  perhaps 
cannot  be  found,  who  has  not  trembled  at  the  address.  But  impres- 
sions such  as  these  have  been  common  to  the  most  eminent  of  God's 
servants.  It  was  in  the  dread  of  his  spirit  that  Moses  said,  "  0  my 
Lord,  send  I  prav  thee  by  the  hand  of  him  whom  thou  wilt  send." 
Jehovah  encouraged  Jeremiah  when  he  cried,  "  Oh  Lord  God,  I  can- 
not speak:  for  I  am  a  child,"  by  saying,  "Be  not  afraid."  "I  was 
with  you,"  said  Paul  to  the  Corinthians,  "in  weakness  and  in  fear, 
and  in  much  trembling."  Holy  fear  is  useful  and  not  injurious,  when 
it  leads  to  greater  faithfulness  in  the  ministry,  and  to  a  more  entire 
reliance  on  the  Lord  for  his  assistance. 

3.  The  neglect,  or  even  the  contempt  of  many  who  profess  the 
name  of  Christ,  does  not  prove  that  we  ought  not  to  gird  up  the 
loins  for  the  labors  of  a  steward.  Different  measures  of  talent  are 
given  to  different  elders,  all  designed  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints. 
"  One  star  differ eth  from  another  star  in  glory."  But  he  who  con- 
temns a  Christian  minister  possessing  two  talents,  because  he  equals 
not  another  possessing  ten,  should  fear  lest  he  see  it  and  be  angry, 
who  hath  said,  "  whoso  despiseth  you  despiseth  me."  The  heart  of 
man  is  easily  vanquished  by  prejudice,  and  still  easier  by  pride.  Not 
all  the  eloquence  and  zeal,  and  purity  and  usefulness,  of  an  apostle 
were  sufficient  to  restrain  his  adversaries  from  saying,  "  his  bodily 
presence  is  weak  and  his  speech  contemptible." 

4.  The  discovery  of  no  immediate  or  great  success,  should  not  lead 
any  of  God's  servants  to  conclude  he  has  never  been  called  to  his 
Master's  work.  Self-examination  may  be  proper,  whether  truth  has 
been  exhibited  in  all  its  parts,  or  whether  the  heart  may  not  be  too 
vain  "to  bear"  the  glory  of  much  usefulness.  But  we  know  that 
though  Isaiah  found  occasion  to  exclaim,  "  Who  hath  believed  our 
report,"  he  continued  still  to  prophesy.  Few,  in  comparison  of  the 
multitude  of  his  hearers,  appear  to  have  been  converted  under  the 
teachings  of  our  Lord,  yet  he  still  remained  the  minister  of  the  cii'- 
cumcision.  If  Ave  have  as  yet  toiled  and  rowed  and  caught  nothing, 
who  can  tell,  but  that  the  next  endeavor  may  bring  the  greatest  suc- 
cess? Whatever  be  the  result,  like  the  disciples  we  should  say,  "At 
thy  word  we  will  let  down  the  net."  A  minister  is  no  adequate 
judge  of  the  degree  of  his  usefulness.  Seed  may  have  been  sown 
and  harvests  be  rising  where  he  suspected  all  was  barrenness.  We  have 
sometimes  discovered  more  of  the  usefulness  of  a  minister  after  his  de- 
cease than  before.  The  lamp  has  burned  when  the  pitcher  was  broken. 

The  qualifications  requisite  for  a  gospel  minister  may  be  divided 
into  two  classes,  the  essential,  without  which  he  cannot  properly  bear 
the  name,  and  the  contributory,  or  those  which  tend  to  assist,  adorn, 
and  complete  the  holy  character. 

The  essential  qualifications  appear  to  be  these  four,  godliness, 
knowledge,  readiness  of  communication,  and  a  divine  call. 

1.  Godliness  is  requisite.  Under  the  term  we  include  holiness  of 
heart,  and  piu'ity  of  life. 

An  unconverted  man  is  a  wicked  man ;  but  unto  the  wicked  God 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION.  443 

saitli,  "  What  hast  thou  to  do  to  declare  my  statutes,  or  that  thou 
shouldst  take  my  covenant  into  thy  mouth:  seeing  thou  hatest  in- 
struction, and  castest  my  words  behind  thee."  (Psahn  1.  15,  16.)  In 
the  epistle  to  Timothy  and  Titus,  where  the  qualifications  of  a 
bishop  are  distinctly  stated,  it  is  required  that  he  be  "holy,"  and  a 
'•lover  of  good  men."  He  must  hold  the  "mystery  of  the  faith 
in  a  pure  conscience."  The  apostles  gave  themselves  unto  prayer. 
Timothy  is  addressed  as  "  a  man  of  God,"  and  Barnabas  described 
as  being  "a  good  man  and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  faith." 
David  in  his  34th  Psalm,  first  relates  his  gracious  experience,  and 
then  adds,  "  come,  ye  childen,  hearken  unto  me,  I  will  teach  you 
the  fear  of  the  Lord."  Describing  the  state  of  his  disciples,  our  di- 
vine Prophet  said,  "ye  are  clean,"  and  it  was  after  Peter's  avowal 
of  his  love  to  Jesus,  that  he  received  the  injunctions,  >'  feed  my 
sheep,  feed  my  lambs."  What  indeed  can  be  expected  from  an  un- 
converted ministry  ?  How  shall  an  ungodly  preacher  illustrate  the 
excellency  of  the  divine  character  which  his  heart  abhors,  or  the 
glories  of  a  law  he  loves  to  violate  ?  How  shall  he  describe  the  dis- 
tress of  an  awakened  sinner  which  he  never  felt,  or  the  extacy  of 
one  who  has  received  pardon  through  the  blood  of  Christ,  while  he 
lies  himself  under  sentence  of  condemnation  ?  If  he  refer  to  the 
temptations  and  conflicts,  the  fears  and  consolations  of  the  true  be- 
liever, he  proceeds  with  such  awkward  irregularity  as  compels  the 
afdicted  good  man  to  cry  out,  "the  legs  of  the  lame  are  not  equal, 
so  is  a  parable  in  the  mouth  of  fools."  The  lip  must  be  touched  with 
a  coal  from  the  altar,  and  iniquity  purged,  before  the  prophet  receives 
the  commission,  "  Go  tell  this  people,  hear  ye."  "It  pleased  God," 
says  the  apostle  Paul,  "  to  call  me  by  his  grace,  and  to  reveal  his 
Son  in  me,  that  I  might  preach  him,"  Gal.  i.  15,  16. 

But  "the  root  of  the  matter"  is  not  all, — the  verdure  and  fruit 
of  a  holy  conversation  are  required  also.  The  bishop  must  be 
visible  in  domestic  life.  He  must  be  "the  husband  of  one  wife," 
polygamy  being  as  contrary  to  the  course  of  nature  as  to  the  laws 
of  God.  He  must  be  "  one  that  ruleth  well  his  own  house,  having 
his  children  in  subjection  with  all  gravity."  For  if  a  man  know  not 
how  to  rule  his  own  house,  how  shall  he  take  care  of  the  church  of 
God  ?  Paul  collects  the  vh-tues  that  should  adorn  the  personal  char- 
acter of  an  ambassador  of  God  into  one  bright  constellation.  He 
must  be  vigilant,  sober,  of  good  behavior,  given  to  hospitality,  and 
not  to  wine :  not  ready  to  strike,  or  attached  to  filthy  lucre,  but  mo- 
derate; not  given  to  contention,  not  a  lover  of  money,  not  self- 
willed,  but  sober,  just,  holy,  and  temperate, — blameless  in  all  things 
as  the  steward  of  God.  He  must  take  heed  to  himself,  to  his  flock, 
and  to  his  doctrine.     Hence, 

2.  Knowledge  is  requisite.  The  new  man  is  renewed  in  knowledge  ; 
but  spiritual  understanding  is  progressive,  and  in  this  it  is  required 
that  a  minister  of  the  word  abound.  "The  heart  of  the  wise  teach- 
eth  his  mouth."  "  The  priest's  lips  should  keep  knowledge,  and  they 
should  seek  the  law  at  his  mouth ;   for  he  is  the  messenger  of  th' 


444  MINUTES   OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 

Lord  of  hosts."  As  if  God  had  said,  should  the  Bible  be  not  at 
hand,  the  mouth  of  the  priest  will  supply  its  absence.  An  ignorant 
person  can  no  more  feed  the  church  of  God  with  knowledge  and  un- 
derstanding, than  can  a  shepherd  his  flock  by  leading  them  through 
a  desert,  which  has  only  here  and  there  a  shrub.  John  must  first  eat 
the  book  and  then  prophecy. 

To  ascertain  the  precise  degree  of  spiritual  information  that  is 
necessary  in  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  is  scarcely  practicable. 
It  seems,  however,  requisite  that  he  should  possess  general  views  of 
the  plan  of  salvation,  of  the  doctrines  of  grace,  and  of  the  "  law  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord."  It  appears  also  proper  that  a  church 
solemnly  exhort  a  young  licentiate  brother,  to  give  attendance  to 
reading,  to  exhortation,  and  doctrine :  to  meditate  on  these  things 
that  his  profiting  may  appear  to  all. 

When  we  are  taught  that  a  bishop  must  not  be  "a  novice,"  we 
are  not  from  the  term  to  infer  that  he  cannot  sustain  the  character 
while  young.  Timothy's  youth,  Paul  instructed  no  man  to  despise. 
The  term  "  novice  "  has  allusion  to  a  plant  newly  set.  Dr.  Doddridge 
renders  the  word  "one  newly  converted."  Of  the  time  requisite  for 
the  plant  to  take  root  and  flourish,  for  the  young  convert  to  acquire 
a  competent  acquaintance  with  evangelical  doctrines  and  duties,  pro- 
ficiency in  the  divine  life  is  so  different  in  different  individuals,  you, 
brethren,  observing  the  characters,  will  be  best  able  to  judge.  The 
conversations  of  aged  saints,  contribute  much  to  the  information  of 
the  young.  Apollos  was  an  eloquent  man,  and  mighty  in  the  Scrip- 
tures, but  Priscilla  and  Aquila  taught  him  the  way  of  the  Lord  more 
perfectly. 

3.  An  aptness  to  teach  is  requisite.  It  consists  in  a  readiness  to 
communicate  "  the  good  treasures  of  the  heart"  to  others.  "The  well 
spring  of  wisdom  is  a  flowing  brook."  Many  of  the  servants  of  the 
Lord  are  "  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  his  will  in  all  wisdom  and 
spiritual  understanding,"  but  they  cannot  bring  to  light  the  intelli- 
gence they  enjoy.  They  are  shut  up  as  with  a  wall,  and  cannot 
come  forth.  Now  the  qualification  we  speak  of  is  like  a  passage 
through  the  wall ;  it  is  called  "  a  door  of  utterance  to  speak  the 
mystery  of  Christ."  "  We  were  willing,"  says  the  apostle,  "to  have 
imparted  unto  you,  not  the  gospel  of  God  only,  but  our  own  souls 
also,  because  ye  were  dear  unto  us."  It  includes  an  ardent  love  for 
the  souls  of  men,  holy  diligence,  a  fullness  of  ideas,  a  vigorous  me- 
mory, and  a  flowing  elocution. 

4.  There  must  be  a  divine  call.  No  man  must  take  to  himself  the 
honor,  unless  called  of  God  as  was  Aaron.  How  can  they  preach 
except  they  be  sent?  Christ  displays  his  sovereignty  in  calling  to 
office  whomsoever  he  pleases.  His  call  is  delivered  not  by  visiting 
angels :  it  is  not  heard  from  the  flame  of  a  bush,  or  from  the  light- 
ning and  clouds  of  a  trembling  mountain ;  nor  is  it  an  audible  address 
from  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  To  be  so  called  in  this  last  sense  was  one 
of  the  signs  of  an  apostle,  but  is  not  to  be  applied  to  the  vocation 
of  ministers  now.     It  is  the  still  voice  of  God  in  the  soul,  saying, 


MINUTE6  0P  THE  miLADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION.  445 

"  Occupy  till  I  come."  The  subject  feels  a  necessity  laid  upon  liim  : 
a  dispeiisation  of  flic  f^oHpel  counnitted  unto  liim.  The  souls  of  men 
appear  of  greater  value  than  he  had  before  conceived, — already  ho 
begins  to  travail  in  birth.  ]le  thirsts  to  be  engaged  in  the  work,  as 
a  hart  for  the  waterbrook.  lie  would  rather  be  a  preacher  of  Christ 
than  master  of  all  the  mines  in  the  world.  This  secret  fire  begins  in 
the  end  to  break  forth.  In  his  countenance,  in  his  converse,  in  his 
prayer,  in  his  exhortations,  his  exercises  discover  themselves.  At 
length  they  engage  the  attention  of  the  church  of  (jod. 

The  churches  of  old  were  accustomed  to  watch  the  openings  of  tho 
ministerial  character,  and  as  if  desirous  of  encouriiging  the  candidate 
and  of  imitating  their  own  attention  to  the  utmost,  the  saying  ap- 
pears to  have  prevailed  among  them,  "  If  a  man  desire  the  office  of 
a  bishop,  he  dcsireth  a  good  thing."  It  was  by  a  public  act  of  tho 
church  at  Jerusalem  that  Matthias  was  chosen  to  the  ministry,  from 
which  Judas  by  transgression  fell,  and  from  the  best  testimony  that 
we  can  obtain  from  ecclesiastical  history,  such  appears  to  have  been 
the  wuy  in  which  the  election  of  ministers  took  place  in  the  churches, 
until  aspiring  prelates  arrogated  to  themselves  the  privilege  which 
belonged  to  the  faithful  at  large. 

The  process  a  church,  in  the  fear  of  God,  observes  in  the  call  of  a 
mendjcr  to  the  ministry  being  stated  so  fully  in  the  discipline  of  our 
churches,  it  is  unnecessary  to  enlarge  on  it  in  the  present  letter. 

Besides  these  leading  and  essential  (qualifications,  there  are  several 
that  are  contributory  to  the  improvement  of  the  minister  of  God. 
These  may  be  referred  to  two  objects — the  furniture  of  the  mind  and 
the  affections  of  the  heart.  We  acknowledge  with  gratitude  and  joy 
that  every  able  minister  of  the  New  Testament  is  made  such  of  God 
and  not  of  men.  We  acknowledge  that  it  has  been  common  for  God 
in  all  ages,  to  execute  his  purposes  by  instruments  which  should  se- 
cure honor  to  his  great  name.  He  raised  up  Gideon  from  the  thresh- 
ing-floor, and  David  from  tho  sheepfold.  The  wealthy  and  tho 
learned  were  not  called  to  be  the  apostles  of  our  Lord,  but  fishermen, 
publicans,  and  tent-makers.  Many  among  the  most  useful  of  tho 
ministers  of  Christ  in  the  present  day,  have  received  instruction  ordy 
at  the  Master's  feet.  The  celebrated  L>r.  Samuel  Johnson,  notwith- 
standing his  ardor  for  classic  learning,  confesses,  that,  "  compared 
with  the  conversion  of  sinners,  eloquence  and  erudition  are  less  than 
nothing."  The  ablest  preacher  is  but  an  earthen  vessel,  and  tho 
feeblest  bears  heavenly  treasure.  We  are  sensible  that  an  ostenta- 
tion of  learning,  may  be  food  for  a  weak  or  aspiring  mind ;  neverthe- 
less, as  knowledge  of  almost  every  kind  may  be  useful  to  a  gospel 
minister ;  as  in  the  Ijible  we  have  only  a  translation,  behind  the  veil 
of  which  many  a  beauty  is  concealed;  as  we  have  no  reason  to  ex- 
pect tha-t  extraordinary  assistance  which  the  apostles  enjoyed  ;  and 
as  education  places  a  minister  of  the  gospel  on  equal  ground  with  a 
learned  adversary,  to  seek  an  acquaintance  with  language,  history, 
and  other  similar  studies,  where  it  can  be  accomplished,  is  praise- 
worthy. 


446  MiisruTES  of  the  Philadelphia  association. 

An  increase  in  all  the  gracious  affections  of  the  heart  well  becomes 
a  minister  of  Christ.  To  none  with  more  propriety  than  to  him 
may  it  be  said,  "  Keep  thy  heart  with  all  diligence,  for  out  of  it  are 
the  issues  of  life." 

How  beauteous  do  the  feet  of  that  minister  appear  who  approaches 
his  flock  clothed  with  humility !  If  he  must  be  greatest,  he  will  ac- 
quire the  elevation  by  becoming  the  servant  of  all !  How  charming 
the  voice  that  returns  not  evil  for  evil  nor  railing  for  railing,  but, 
contrariwise,  blessing !  Being  defamed,  said  Paul,  we  entreat,  be- 
ing reviled,  we  bless,  being  persecuted,  we  suffer  it.  How  surpassing 
the  heroes  of  the  world  is  that  man  of  God  seen,  who,  brandishing 
the  armor  of  righteousness  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left,  pre- 
fers bonds  and  imprisonments,  and  derision  and  death,  rather  than 
the  work  of  his  God  should  be  done  deceitfully !  How  valuable  that 
prudence  which  never  forgets,  that  "to  every  thing  there  is  a 
season,  and  a  time  to  every  purpose  under  the  sun!"  Of  the  Mes- 
siah, the  Father  said,  "  My  servant  shall  deal  prudently,  and  shall 
be  extolled  very  high."  How  amiable  that  sympathy,  which,  for- 
getful of  its  subject,  enters  the  circles  of  friendship  or  the  cham- 
bers of  sickness,  and  looking  round,  rejoices  with  them  that  rejoice, 
and  weeps  with  them  that  weep  !  And  0,  how  lovely  that  evangelical 
piety,  which,  when  all  is  done,  falls  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and 
prompts  the  cry,  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner  !" 

The  original  Bunyan  has  in  a  few  touches  admirably  drawn  the 
picture  of  a  faithful  preacher.  The  interpreter  introduces  his  Chris- 
tian into  a  room,  where  he  saw  the  picture  of  a  very  grave  person 
hang  up  against  the  wall,  and  this  was  the  fashion  of  it : 

"  It  had  eyes  lifted  up  to  heaven,  the  best  of  books  in  his  hand,  the 
law  of  truth  was  written  upon  its  lips,  the  world  was  behind  his  back, 
it  stood  as  if  it  pleaded  with  men,  and  a  crown  of  gold  did  hang  over 
its  head." 

Contemplating  the  qualifications  of  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  you 
must  perceive  that  their  nature  is  important  and  solemn.  Dear 
Brethren,  pray  for  your  ministers.  0,  when  it  is  well  with  you,  pray, 
pray  for  them.  Did  you  perceive  half  the  toils,  or  half  the  afflic- 
tions which  fill  the  hands  and  press  down  the  hearts  of  your  minis- 
ters, you  would,  and  we  hope  you  do,  remember  them  always  in  your 
prayers.  Let  your  prayers  also  ascend  that  more  laborers  may  be 
thrust  into  the  great  harvest  field. 

Our  intercourse  with  each  other  in  association,  has  been  pleasant, 
and  the  tidings  from  the  churches  generally  encouraging.  Permit 
us  to  exhort  you  to  abound  more  and  more  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
forasmuch  as  you  know  that  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

We  remain,  beloved  brethren,  your  servants  for  Christ's  sake. 

Signed  in  behalf  and  by  order  of  the  whole, 

William  Staughton,  Moderator. 
William  White,  Clerk. 


MINUTES    OF   THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


44T 


THE  MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS  AT  THE  ASSOCIATION,  AND 
STATE  OF  THE  CHURCHES  DURING  THE  YEAR. 


• 

•a 

|| 

TS 

2 

•d 

i 

CHURCHES.                         MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 

M 

II 

1 

a 

-2 

i 

s 

1 

«^ 

Q 

S 
1^ 

o_ 

g 

'  Samuel  Jones, 

Thomas  Holmes, 

Lower  Dublin, 

Jesse  Dungan, 
John  Til  aw, 
Abednego  T.  Whitton, 

John  Richardson, 

17 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

138 

Middle  town,  ^ 

Benjamin  Bennet, 

Henry  Smalley,* 
William  SteUing,* 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

5 

135 

Cohansie,' 

David  Gilman, 
Joel  Shepherd, 

^  Daniel  J.  Swinney, 

11 

0 

5 

1 

0 

2 

198 

'  David  Jones, 

Horatio  G.  Jones, 

Great  Valley, 

Jonathan  Phillips, 
Isaac  Abrams, 

^Phineas  Phillips, 

2 

2 

0 

0 

0 

1 

67 

Cape  May,' 

Jonathan  Garman. 

8 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

50 

Hopewell,    ^ 
1st  church. 

John  Boggs, 
David  Stout, 
Richard  Stout, 

Joshua  Vaughan, 
Robert  M'Coy, 

8 

4 

11 

2 

0 

1 

148 

Brandywine, 

Thomas  Baldwin, 
John  Smith, 

William  Griffith, 

18 

0 

2 

0 

0 

3 

135 

Silas  Hough, 

Montgomery,               ■< 

Charles  Humphrey, 

Kingwood, 

Joseph  Lun, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

83 

Thomas  Davis, 
Edward  West, 

Thomas  Robertson, 

2 

0 

2 

1 

0 

2 

112 

'  Peter  Wilson, 

Hight's  Town, 

Andrew  Perrine, 

John  Jones, 

11 

0 

6 

3 

0 

2 

328 

'William  Staughton, 

William  Rogers,* 

John  P.  Peckworth, 

Thomas  Billings, 

George  Ingolls, 

Philadelphia, 
1st  church, 

George  Mustin, 
Joseph  Keen, 
Benjamin  Thaw, 
Jared  Sexton, 
Hugh  Gourley, 
John  M'Leod, 
Tilman  Culp, 

^J.  M'Leod,  jr., 

38 

21 

7 

5 

1 

3 

307 

448 


MINUTES    OF   THE    PHILADELPHIA   ASSOCIATION. 


CHURCHES. 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


Southampton, 

KnoTvlton,f ' 
New  Britain, 

Salem,  ■' 
Dividing  Creek,! 

New  Mills, ' 

Upper  Freehold,!' 
Pittsgrove,!  ' 

Manahawkin,  '' 

Vincent,  "  • 
Tuckahoe,! ' 

Frankford, 

Jacob's  Town, 
Marcus  Hook, 

y 

Roxbury, 

West  Creek, 
Shemokin, 

Amwell, 


Hopewell,  ^ 
2d  church, 


'  Thomas  B.  Montanye, 
William  Watts, 
Abel  Marple, 
John  Shelmire, 
Nathan  Banes, 
James  Dungan, 


<  Edward  Matthew, 
(  Joshua  Riale, 

{Thomas  Brown, 
Joseph  Lloyd, 
Henry  Mulford, 
Benjamin  Thompson, 


Isaac  Carlile,* 
Benjamin  Hedger, 
t  Lemuel  Howell, 


Thomas  Edman, 


\  Levi  John, 
(  Robert  Phipps, 


{Joseph  Mathias, 
Philip  Miller, 
Isaac  Morris, 
Griffith  Owen, 

J  Burgiss  Allison, 
I  Asher  Cox, 


'  Thomas  Fleeson, 
John  Levering, 
Cornelius  Holgate, 
James  Patterson, 
Charles  Levering, 

^  Nathan  Levering, 


I  Joseph  Pricket, 

f  John  Patten, 
I  Charles  Saxton, 

{James  M'Laughlin, 
John  Carr, 
William  Merrell, 


William  Salyer, 
Joseph  Boss, 


1 
1 

11 

1 

i 

•6 
o 

1 

c 
o 

ft 

1 

2 

4 

0 

0 

0 

2 

133 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

17 

4 

1 

1 

0 

0 

3 

83 

11 

1 

6 

0 

0 

3 

113 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

58 

3 

3 

5 

1 

0 

3 

111 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

97 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

19 

0 

0 

4 

3 

0 

1 

61 

7 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

53 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

26 

4 

0 

1 

0 

1 

1 

12G 

6 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

63 

0 

3 

2 

0 

0 

0 

21 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

56 

6 

2 

1 

0 

0 

1 

58 

5 

2 

1 

1 

0 

0 

92 

2 

0 

2 

1 

0 

0 

76 

3 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

55 

MINUTES   OF  THE   PHILADELPHIA  ASSOCIATION. 


449 


CHURCHES. 


MINISTERS  AND  MESSENGERS. 


Burlington,' 

Mount  Holly/ 
Dover,  York  co.,  Pa. 


Philadelphia, 
2d.  church, 


Blockley, 
Squan, ' 
Evesham,' 


Trenton  and 
Lamberton, 


Frankford, 


William  Boswell, 
Joseph  Slieppard, 
Stephen  C.  Ustick, 
Matthew  Randall, 
Joseph  Barber, 
George  Allen, 


{Jes^e  Cox, 
William  Rogers,* 
Edward  Thomas, 


Moses  Davis, 

'William  White, 

Samuel  Harris,* 
Isaac  Johnson, 
Thomas  Timings, 
Adam  Corfield, 
James  Wiley, 
Philip  Halzel, 
Jacob  Keen, 


Amos  Penegar, 
W.  Sheldrake, 
G.  Helmbold, 


I  Samuel  Haven, 

{Alexander  M'Gowan, 
Joseph  Evans, 
George  Sparks, 
Eli  Evans, 


Amos  Reader, 
John  Coleman, 


James  Clark, 
John  P.  Skelton, 
John  Dainty, 


42 


12 


0 
251 


0      0 


621102 


0    1 


5    0    0 


3  42 


181 

34 
45 

80 


30 


3632 


Note. — The  ministers'  names  are  in  small  capitals.  Licensed  preachers  in 
italic.  Those  marked  thus  *  were  not  present.  From  churches  marked  thus  t 
received  no  letter.     A  dash denotes  no  settled  minister. 


We  announce  to  the  clinrches  the  afflictive  tidings,  tliat  our 
beloved  brother  Peter  Groom,  has  been  this  year  removed  by 
death. — "Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord." 


57 


A 


CENTURY    SERMON. 


DELIVERED  IN  PHILADELPHIA, 


AT  THE  OPENING  OF  TUE 


PHILADELPHIA    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION, 


OCTOBER  6"^  1807. 


BY   SAMUEL  JONES,  D.D. 

PASTOR  OF  THE   BAPTIST  CHURCH    IN  LOWER  DUBLIN,  PENNSYLVANIA. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
PUBLISHED  AT  THE  REQUEST  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION. 

1807. 


EDITOR'S   PREFACE. 


Among  the  transactions  which  were  recorded  by  the  dele- 
gates at  the  ninety-ninth  session  of  the  venerable  body,  whose 
minutes  we  herewith  present  to  the  public,  item  twenty- 
second  reads  as  follows : — "  Brother  Samuel  Jones  is 
appointed  to  preach  the  Association  Sermon  of  next  year, 
which  is  intended  to  be  a  Century  one,  a  hundred  years 
having  passed  since  we  were  first  formed." 

In  editing  the  following  discourse,  as  well  as  the  fore- 
going minutes,  I  have  strictly  observed  the  instructions  of 
the  Committee,  that  imposed  upon  me  the  pleasant,  yet 
arduous  duty  of  superintending  the  work  through  the 
press,  which  instructions  were  :  "  To  preserve,  as  far  as 
possible,  the  ancient  style  of  composition,  as  found  in  the 
original  minutes." 

That  the  work  now  given  to  the  world  may  do  good, 
and  awaken  a  becoming  degree  of  gratitude  to  God,  in  the 
church,  for  the  lives  and  labors  of  the  men  whose  names 
and  deliberations  it  transmits  to  our  own  and  future  ages, 
is  the  sincere  desire  of  one  who,  in  relation  to  the  pro- 
curing of  the  materials  and  publishing  this  work,  "has 
done  what  he  could." 

A.  D.  G. 


A  CENTURY  SERMON. 


Enlargo  the  place  of  thy  tents,  and  let  them  stretch  forth  the  curtains  of  thine 
habitations :  spare  not,  lengthen  thy  cords,  and  strengthen  thy  stakes  ;  for  thou 
shalt  break  forth  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left. — Isaiah,  liv.  2,  3. 

I  HAVE  had  it  on  my  mind,  that  it  would  be  proper  for 
me,  before  I  proceed,  to  confess  openly  that  I  am  not  going 
to  preach  but  to  read.  You  may  therefore  perhaps  have 
remarked,  that  in  addressing  the  throne  of  grace  I  have  not 
dared  to  ask  for  assistance  in  this  part  of  the  service.  I 
must  however  observe,  that  I  think  reading  is  admissible  on 
particular  occasions,  especially  such  as  the  present,  when 
the  chief  of  what  is  to  be  said  is  to  be  historical ;  yet  such 
historical  facts  as  have  some  relation  to  religion. 

After  saying  this  much  I  need  not  now  be  at  any  pains 
to  conceal  my  notes. 

I  had  some  thoughts  of  committing  the  whole  to  memory, 
but  I  did  not  like  it  very  well,  because  I  should  seem  to  act 
the  part  of  a  school-boy,  or,  what  would  be  worse,  to  play 
the  hypocrite,  by  pretending  to  do  what  I  did  not.  I  shall 
only  add  in  this  way,  that  for  the  present  I  shall  omit  the 
notes,  to  preserve  the  thread  of  discourse.  I  will  now 
enter  on  the  subject  before  us. 

Enlarge  the  i^lace  of  thy  tent,  and  let  them  stretch  fcyrth  the 
curtains  of  thine  habitations :  spare  not,  lengthen  thy  cords,  and 
strengthen  thy  stakes;  for  thou  shalt  hreah  forth  on  the  right 
hand  and  on  the  left. 

These  are  the  words  of  the  elegant  and  sublime  Isaiah, 

who,  on  account  of  the  clearness  of  the  discoveries  made  to 

him  of  the  gospel  day,  obtained  the  name  of  the  evangehcal 

prophet.     Indeed  in  some  places  his  predictions  have  the 

(453) 


454  A   CENTURY   SERMON. 

air  of  a  history,  rather  than  a  prophecy.  (See  chap.  vii.  14 ; 
ix.  6,  7 ;  L  6  ;  liii.  ixissim.) 

The  passage  before  us  refers  to  the  implantation  of  the 
gospel  among  the  Gentiles.  It  began  to  be  accomplished  in 
the  days  of  the  Apostles,  and  has  been  fulfilling  iii  all  ages 
of  the  Christian  church  to  this  day,  and  will  continue  so  to 
be  to  the  commencement  of  the  millenium.  "  Their  sound," 
says  the  Apostle,  "  went  into  all  the  earth,  and  their  words 
unto  the  end  of  the  world."  Rom.  x.  18. 

But  we  are  now  to  speak  more  particularl}^  of  the  work 
of  the  Lord,  and  the  spread  of  religion  in  our  Society  du- 
ring the  last  century,  and  especially  within  the  bounds  of 
this  Association :  to  show  that  there  has  been  a  fulfillment 
of  the  prophecy  in  the  text  among  us ;  that  we  have  "  en- 
larged the  places  of  our  tent,  and  stretched  forth  the  cur- 
tains of  our  habitations :  have  lengthened  our  cords,  and 
strengthened  our  stakes,  because  we  have  broke  forth,  on 
the  right  hand,  and  on  the  left." 

We  shall  now,  then,  apply  ourselves,  in  the  first  place,  to 
take  into  view  what  relates  to  our  body,  within  the  time 
under  consideration. 

This  Association  originated  in  what  they  called  general, 
and  sometimes  yearly  meetings.  These  meetings  were  in- 
stituted so  early  as  1G88,  and  met  alternatively  in  May  and 
September,  at  Lower  Dubhn,  Philadelphia,  Salem,  Cohansie, 
Chester,  and  Burlington ;  at  which  places  there  were  mem- 
bers, though  no  church  or  churches  constituted,  except 
Lower  Dublin  and  Cohansie.  At  these  meetings  their  labor 
was  chiefly  confined  to  the  ministry  of  the  word,  and  the 
administration  of  gospel  ordinances.  But  in  the  year  1707 
they  seem  to  have  taken  more  properly  the  form  of  an  As- 
sociation ;  for  then  they  had  delegates  from  several  churches, 
and  attended  to  their  general  concerns.  We  therefore  date 
our  beginning  as  an  Association  from  that  time,  though  we 
might  with  but  little  impropriety,  extend  it  back  some 
years. 

They  were  at  this  time  but  a  feeble  band,  though  a  band 


A   CENTURY    SERMON.  455 

of  faithful  brothers ;  consistmg  of  but  five  churches.  The 
church  at  Lower  Dublin,  Piscataqua,  Micldletown,  Cohansie, 
and  Welsh-Tract.  There  were  at  that  time  but  these 
five  in  North  America,  except  Massachusetts  and  Rhode 
Island.* 

Here  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  take  some  notice  of  the  first 
ministers  in  succession  in  each  of  the  constituent  churches, 
as  a  brief  memorial  of  those  venerable  fathers,  who  were 
the  instruments  of  propagating  the  gospel  in  these  parts  of 
the  new  world. 

The  church  of  Lower  Dublin  had  for  their  first  minister? 
Rev.  Elias  Keach,  son  of  the  memorable  Benjamin  Keach 
of  London.  He,  returning  to  England  in  1692,  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  noted  John  Watts,  who  departed  this  life  in 
1702,  in  the  midst  of  his  days  and  growing  usefulness,  the 
fortieth  year  of  his  age,  and  twelfth  of  his  ministry.  So 
was  the  will  of  God.  After  him  they  had  Samuel  Jones, 
Evan  Morgan,  and  Joseph  Wood;  and  in  the  year  1712, 
came  over  sea,  by  invitation,  Abel  Morgan,  who  had  been 
pastor  of  a  church  at  Blaene  Gwent,  in  South  Wales.  He 
is  said  to  have  been  indefatigable  and  abundantly  useful  in 
his  ministry.  He  supplied  Lower  Dublin  and  Philadelphia, 
besides  visiting  other  places.  He  wrote  and  published  the 
first  Welsh  Concordance  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  that  was 
ever  published  in  that  language.  This  good  man  was  called 
home  to  reap  the  fruit  of  his  labor,  and  much  lamented,  in 
the  year  1722. 

Piscataqua,  had  Thomas  Killingsworth,  Mr.  Drake,  Henry 
Loval,  and  Benjamin  Stelle,  sr. 

Middletown,  had  James  Aston,  James  Brown,  Elias 
Keach,  Thomas  Killingsworth,  John  Burrows,  and  the 
incomparable  Abel  Morgan. 

Cohansie,  had  Thomas  Killingsworth,  Timothy  Brooks, 
William  Boucher  and  Nathaniel  Jenkins. 

*When  the  first  church  in  Newport,  Rhode  Island  was  one  hundred  years 
old,  in  1738,  Mr.  John  Callender,  their  minister,  delivered  and  published  a 
sermon  on  the  occasion.  It  principally  relates  to  the  civil  and  religious  affaira 
of  that  province,  in  connection  with  the  other  New  England  provinces. 


456  A   CENTURY   SERMON. 

The  last  of  the  five  was  the  church  of  the  Welsh-Tract, 
who  had  for  their  first  minister  Thomas  Griffith.  He 
came  to  this  country  from  Wales  with  the  church,  for  they 
were  constituted  there,  and  was  very  useful  among  them  to 
the  day  of  his  death,  which  came  to  pass  in  the  3^ear  1725. 
He  was  succeeded  by  Elisha  Thomas  and  Enoch  Morgan. 
Besides  the  above,  this  church  was  blessed  with  four  others 
at  the  same  time,  that  were  men  of  first  rate  abilities.  Jen- 
kin  Jones,  who  became  minister  of  Lower  Dublin,  and  then 
of  Philadelphia;  Owen  Thomas,  who  settled  at  Vincent  in 
Chester  county;  David  Davis,  who  succeeded  Enoch  Mor 
gan  at  the  Welsh  Tract ;  and  above  all  the  great  Abel  Mor- 
gan, who  moved  to  Middletown.  These  were  men  of  shin- 
ing talents,  with  whom  we  have  had  few,  if  any  since,  tliat 
will  bear  a  comparison. 

I  will  take  the  liberty  to  mention  as  the  contemporary 
of  the  above,  the  late  Rev.  Benjamin  Griffith,  of  Montgo- 
mery, who,  though  he  was  not  of  one  of  the  constituent 
churches,  nor  distinguished  for  ministerial  abilities,  yet  was 
eminent  in  council,  and  perhaps  more  so  for  the  use  of  his 
pen. 

Under  the  appointment  of  the  Association  he  wrote  our 
first  discipline ;  and  then,  a  brief  account  of  the  first  seven- 
teen churches  in  our  connection,  which  he  entered  in  the 
Association  book,  together  with  their  most  material  trans- 
actions to  the  year  1758. 

I  will  add  in  this  way,  that  a  junior  class  came  forward 
in  the  churches,  who  were  in  a  pretty  high  degree  eminent 
in  their  day :  as  John  Davis,  of  Harford,  in  Marj-land,  yet 
living,  aged  86 ;  Robert  Kelsay,  of  Cohansie ;  Peter  Peter- 
son Yanhorn,  of  Lower  Dublin  ;  Isaac  Eaton,  of  Hopewell ; 
Mr.  Walton,  of  Morristown  ;  Isaac  Stelle,  jr.,  of  Piscata- 
qua;  Benjamin  Miller,  of  Scott's-Plains ;  and  John  Gano, 
of  New  York.  These  were  burning  and  shining  lights, 
especially  the  three  last.  May  the  God  of  Elijah  grant  that 
a  double  portion  of  their  spirit  may  rest  on  all,  that  stand 
as  watchmen  on  Zion's  walls. 


A    CENTURY    SERMOX.  457 

"We  have  mentioned  that  our  number  of  churches  at  first 
was  but  five.  As  the  country  increased  in  population,  our 
number,  through  the  blessing  of  God  on  the  faithful  and 
zealous  ministry  of  the  word,  has  increased  to  38,  compre- 
hending 3556  communicants.  But  we  should  doubtless  be 
more  than  treble  that  number,  if  we  had  not  detached 
churches  on  all  sides,  to  form  five  or  six  other  Associa- 
tions,* that  may  be  denommated  our  daughters,  while  some 
of  them,  again,  have  dismissed  churches  to  form  still  other 
Associations,  that  stand  as  it  were  in  the  relation  of  grand 
daughters. 

Now  if  we  suppose,  that  there  are  three  hearers  in  a 
congregation  for  every  communicant  in  the  church,  it  will 
give  us  above  10,000  hearers;  and  as  there  does  not  half  the 
number  in  the  family,  on  an  average,  attend  pubhc  worship, 
on  account  of  age,  infirmities,  &c.,  it  will  follow,  that  the 
population  within  our  bounds  must  be  above  20,000,  and 
above  80,000,  taking  in  the  detachments. 

Thus  have  we  spread  to  the  North  and  South,  to  the 
East  and  West,  and  have  seen  the  text  abundantly  verified 
among  us.  Doubtless  it  is  the  Lord's  doings,  and  to  him  be 
all  the  glory. 

It  may  now  be  proper  to  extend  our  views  to  our  breth- 
ren in  other  parts  of  the  Union :  for  the  work  of  the  Lord 
was  far  from  being  confined  to  our  bounds.  He,  who  gave 
the  word,  attended  it  also  with  power,  and  great  was  the 
company  of  those  who  published  it. 

But  here  we  are  at  a  loss  for  want  of  information.  Had 
there  been  attention  paid  to  the  circular  address  of  your 
committee  of  correspondence,  appointed  five  years  ago ;  it 
might  be  in  our  power  to  lay  before  you  a  correct  statement, 
of  what  would  be  both  agreeable,  entertaining,  and  useful : 
as  it  is,  we  are  left  to  wander  in  the  dark  by  the  aid  of 
uncertain  conjecture. 

*Ketockton,  Redstone,  Baltimore,  Delaware,  New  York,  and  Warwick. 

To  form  the  Redstone  Association,  I  think  vre  dismissed  no  churches  ;  but 
several  of  our  ministers  settled  in  those  parts,  and  were  instrumental  in  form- 
ing it. 

58 


458  A   CENTURY   SERMON. 

Mr.  Asplund  mentioned  in  the  above  address,  to  his 
immortal  honor,  has  given  us,  at  a  great  expense  of  haboi", 
a  j)articular  account  of  our  state  and  number,  at  that  time, 
in  the  United  States,  which  he  collected  in  his  travels  from 
characters  on  the  spot,  who  were  competent  to  give  him 
correct  information.  But  this  was  done  seventeen  years 
ago.  Great  changes  have  taken  place  since.  We  shall 
however  make  use  of  his  calculation  for  our  ground  work,  and 
build  thereon  by  a  reasonable  allowance  for  those  changes. 

It  appears  from  him,  that  the  number  of  members,  or 
communicants,  belonging  to  our  society  in  the  several  States 
at  that  time,  was  65,233.  If  we  add  for  the  Menonists, 
Dunkers,  and  Universalists,*the  moderate  sum  of  4767,  we 
shall  have  the  round  number  of  70,000. 

This  was  their  number  seventeen  years  ago.  What  may 
it  be  now  ?  As  we  have  good  reason  to  think  there  are  in 
some  of  the  States  more  than  three  communicants  for  every 
one  there  was  seventeen  years  ago,  one  would  think  we 
might  very  safely,  for  all  the  States,  double  the  number  that 
there  were  then :  but  we  will  only  add  three-fourths,  which 
must  be  allowed  to  be  very  moderate.  This  will  give  us 
122,500,  for  the  present  number  of  communicants  through- 
out the  United  States. 

Now  as  the  number  of  communicants  in  a  church  are  to 
the  number  of  hearers  in  a  congregation  nearly  as  one  to 
three;  multiplying  the  aforesaid  number  of  communicants 
by  three,  we  shall  have  367,500  for  the  present  number  of 
hearers. 

This  must  be  below  the  mark.  For  there  were  seventeen 
years  ago,  above  seventy  churches,  that  had  but  from  eight 
to  twenty  communicants  each,  who,  beyond  all  doubt,  had 
of  hearers  not  only  three  times  their  respective  numbers  of 
communicants,  but  more  than  ten  times.  This  may  serve 
to  show  we  do  not  wish  to  exaggerate. 

And  farther,  as  we  observed  awhile  ago,  since  on  account 
of  age  and  infirmity,  &c.,  there  does  not  half  a  family,  on 

*  AVho  then  baptised  by  immersion  only. — Ed. 


A   CENTURY   SERMON.  459 

an  average,  attend  public  worship,  bj  multiplying  the  last 
number  by  two  we  shall  have  735,000  for  our  present  popu- 
lation, which  is  about  one-eighth  jDart  of  the  whole  popula- 
tion in  the  Union. 

It  ought  to  be  remembered,  that  we  have  not  brought 
into  the  account  the  multitudes,  that  are  fully  convinced  in 
favor  of  our  religious  principles  and  j)ractice,  and  are  ready 
to  burst  the  bands  of  the  prejudice  of  education,  their  con- 
nections, &c.,  which  are  doubtless  very  binding  and  strong. 
But  when  the  small  still  voice  of  the  Spirit  of  God  shall 
follow  the  light  of  knowledge  they  have  received,  and 
whisper  in  the  ear  of  conscience,  and  in  the  mean  time  the 
constraining  love  of  God  shall  be  shed  abroad  in  their 
hearts,  we  may  expect  to  receive  them  with  joy. 

It  may  also  not  be  amiss  to  observe,  that  this  remarkable 
increase,  of  which  we  have  been  speaking,  has  been  chiefly 
within  the  last  fifty  years,  and  much  greater  in  those  States, 
where  oppression  for  conscience  sake  has  been  most  severe, 
excej)t  the  State  of  New  York. 

In  Virginia,  I  think,  there  was  not  one  church  of  our  de- 
nomination in  the  year  1760;  in  1790,  only  thirty  years 
after,  there  were  two  hundred  and  two.  In  Massachusetts 
previous  to  1755,  there  were,  as  far  as  I  can  find,  but  seven 
churches,  now  there  are  one  hundred  and  ninety-four.'*'' 

In  the  State  of  New  York,  there  are  now  I  imagine,  one 
hundred  and  fifty  churches;  previous  to  1770  there  were 
but  very  few. 

It  is  with  pleasure  I  observe,  that  oppression  on  account 
of  religion  has  in  Virginia  totally  ceased ;  and  in  Massa- 
chusetts also  has  greatly  abated. 

When  the  first  Congress  met  in  this  city,  I  was  one  of 

*Rev.  John  Callender,  in  his  afore-cited  centurial  discourse  for  Rhode  Island, 
p.  58,  mentions  from  bishop  Sanderson,  that  the  Rev.  Archbishop  Whitgift, 
and  the  learned  Hooker,  men  of  great  judgment  and  fame  in  their  times,  did 
long  since  foresee  and  declare  their  fear,  that  if  ever  Puritanism  should  prevail, 
it  would  soon  draw  in  Anabaptism  after  it.  That  Anabaptism  had  its  rise  from 
the  same  principles  the  Puritans  held,  especially  that  one  principle,  that  the 
Scripture  was  the  only  and  all  sufficient  rule  of  faith  and  practice,  so  as  nothing 
might  lawfully  be  done,  without  express  warrant,  either  from  some  command 
or  example  therein  contained. 


460  A   CENTURY   SERMON. 

the  committee  under  the  appointment  of  your  body,  that, 
in  company  with  the  hate  Rev.  Isaac  Backus,*  of  Massachu- 
setts, met  the  delegates  in  Congress  from  that  State,  in 
yonder  State  Hou3e,  to  see  if  we  could  not  obtain  some 
security  for  that  liberty,  for  which  we  were  then  fighting 
and  bleeding  by  their  side.  It  seemed  unreasonable  to  us, 
that  we  should  be  called  upon  to  stand  up  with  them  in 
defence  of  liberty,  if,  after  all,  it  was  to  be  liberty  for  one 
party  to  oppress  another. 

But  our  endeavors  availed  us  nothing.  One  of  them 
told  us,  that  if  we  meant  to  effect  a  change  in  their  mea- 
sures, respecting  religion,  we  might  as  well  attempt  to 
change  the  course  of  the  sun  in  the  heavens. 

Should  any  be  ready  to  inquire,  if  we  are  so  numerous  as 
just  now  mentioned,  and  of  course  entitled  to  about  twenty 
seats  in  the  general  legislature,  how  comes  it  to  pass,  that 
we  seldom  have  more  than  three,  four,  or  five  ?  This  is  easily 
accounted  for  by  observing,  that  being  scattered  and  dis- 
persed among  those  of  other  societies,  and  every  were  in 
the  minority.  We  cannot  have  a  chance  to  rise,  if  we  had  the 
ambition.  To  which  may  be  added,  that  as  we  are  gener- 
ally of  the  middle  class,  agreeable  to  Augur's  prayer,  and, 
as  the  Apostle  observes,  "not  many  mighty,  not  many 
noble  are  called,"  these  considerations  will  fully  account  for 
the  fact.  But  if  we  cannot  obtain  seats  for  ourselves,  we 
can  however  give  them  to  others.  For  doubtless,  casting 
our  weight  into  the  political  scale  must  have  an  effect  in 
turning  the  beam.  This,  it  is  thought,  has  actually  been 
the  case  within  a  few  years  past. 

Perhaps  some,  in  accounting  for  this  circumstance,  will 
be  ready  to  mention  the  want  of  information  among  us.  Be 
it  so.  There  may  be  something  in  it.  But  suppose  I  should 
suggest  a  more  probable  reason. 

Having  been  persecuted  and  oppressed,  suffered  imprison- 

*  This  great  and  good  man  was  dismissed  from  his  labor  below  to  wear  a 
crown  of  glory  above  on  the  20th  of  November,  1806,  in  the  83d  year  of  his 
age,  and  60th  of  his  ministry. 


A   CENSURY   SERMON.  461 

ment  and  alienation  of  property;  it  is  but  reasonable  to 
expect,  we  should  be  very  jealous  of  our  religious  libert}', 
which  indeed  is  the  case  :  and  it  has  been  thought  by  many 
that  the  rights  of  conscience  are  safer,  in  the  hands  of  those 
who  care  but  little  for  religion  of  any  kmd,  than  in  the 
hands  of  zealots,  devoted  to  the  interest  of  a  particular 
sect.* 

Let  it  not  be  said,  that  this  zeal  for  religious  liberty  can- 
not take  place,  where  persecution  has  not  been  felt.  For 
the  report  of  it  is  gone  every  where,  and  although  it  has 
not  every  where  excited  alarm,  yet  it  has  sympathy.  And 
then  the  thing  itself  is  so  horrible :  to  invade  the  rights  of 
the  Deity,  to  compel  people  to  obey  man  rather  than  God, 
to  do  what  they  verily  believe  they  ought  not,  and  to  pay 
for  what  they  never  had,  nor  wish  to  have ;  every  feeling 
of  the  moral  sense,  to  go  no  farther,  rises  against  it. 

It  has  been  often  said,  that  all  parties  will  persecute  when 
they  have  the  power.  This  may  be  admitted  as  a  general 
rule ;  but  I  am  bold  to  aver  that  the  Baptists  are  an  ex- 
ception.    They  have  had  the  power  in  Rhode  Island,*}-  if 

*An  historian  observes,  that  the  worst  of  men  made  the  best  emperors  for 
heretics.  In  regard  to  the  correctness  of  this  maxim,  the  writer  has  not  the 
least  doubt.  Nevertheless,  as  it  may  seem  strange  to  some  pious  minds,  that 
the  wicked  should  be  set  up  on  high,  and  preferred  to  the  religious,  he  begs 
them  to  consider, — 

First,  That  by  those,  who  care  but  little  about  religion,  is  not  meant  the  pro- 
fane, nor  those  who  are  professed  enemies  to  revelation,  who,  it  is  expected, 
will  never  be  raised  to  dignified  stations  by  the  people  in  this  country. 

Secondly,  That  there  may  not  be  clear  evidence,  that  a  zealot  has  any  real 
religion,  though  he  bears  the  name. 

Thirdly,  Suppose  he  should  have  real  religion,  and  be  elevated  to  the  first 
office  in  the  Union,  what  security  can  the  people  have,  that  he  will  be  possessed 
of  such  firmness  of  mind,  as  to  direct  his  own  councils,  and  escape  the  influence 
of  religionists,  or  clergy,  with  whom  he  will  be  encompassed,  and  who  have 
never  been  thought  to  be  over-favorable  to  equal  rights  and  free  inquiry  in  mat- 
ters of  religion. 

In  unison  is  the  observation  of  the  historian,  "  The  worst  of  men  made  the 
best  emperors  for  heretics" — /.  e. — for  dissenters  from  the  ruling  party.  Hob. 
Ecdes.  Researches,  p.  74. 

f  Rev.  John  Callender,  in  his  aforesaid  discourse,  (p.  103,)  speaking  of  Rhode 
Island,  has  these  words  :  "  Liberty  of  conscience  was  the  basis  of  this  colony. 
Our  fathers  thought  it  just  and  necessary,  to  allow  each  other  mutually  to 
worship  God  as  their  consciences  were  respectfully  persuaded ;  they  thought  no 
man  had  power  over  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  that  the  duty  of  the  magistrate 
was  to  leave  every  one  to  follow  the  light  of  his  conscience.  They  were  willing 
to  exliibit  to  the  world  an  instance,  that  liberty  of  conscience  was  consistent 


462  A   CENTURY   SERMON. 

not  in  Portland :  but  not  a  single  instance  can  be  produced 
of  their  abuse  of  tliat  power  any  where.* 

Hoping  you  will  excuse  these  few  political  observations, 
I  will  now  go  on  to  what  may  be  more  agreeable. 

We  would  not  be  understood  to  suppose,  that  the  work 
of  the  Lord  has  been  confined  to  our  society.  We  occupy 
but  a  small  part  of  the  Lord's  vineyard:  and  we  rejoice, 
that  there  are  so  many  others  engaged  with  us  in  spreading 
and  promoting  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour, 

About  the  middle  of  the  century  a  glorious  revival  took 
place  and  spread  through  the  States,  wherein  that  eminent 
servant  of  the  Lord,  the  Rev.  George  Whitefield,  bore  a  con- 
spicuous part.  He  was  the  blessed  instrument  in  the  hand 
of  the  Lord,  both  in  commencing  and  spreading  that  won- 
derful work. 

This  revival  had  a  happy  effect,  not  only  in  bringing 
many  thousands  out  of  the  kingdom  of  Satan  into  the 
kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son,  but  also  in  being  the  means  of 
introducing  into  the  ministry  many  pious  and  zealous  dis- 
pensers of  the  word,  especially  among  Presbyterians  in  the 
Middle  States,  and  the  Congregationalists  in  the  Eastern 
States.  Without  detracting  from  the  merit  of  those  who 
have  appeared  since  in  the  ministry,  we  must  be  allowed  to 
give  a  decided  preference  to  the  eminent  characters  that 
sprung  up  in  the  great  day  of  God's  power,  the  names  of 
many  of  whom  are  had  in  precious  remembrance  to  this 
day,  as  the  Tenants,  Edwards,  Burr,  Davis,  Findley,  Treat, 
Beaty,  Hunter,  Bostwick,  Eogers,  Rowland,  and  a  long  list 
of  others,  whose  names  have  not  come  to  our  knowledge.f 

There  have  been  many,  and  some  of  them  very  consider- 

TTith  the  public  peace,  and  the  flourishing  of  a  civil  commonwealth,  as  well  as 

tliat  Christianity  can  subsist  without  compulsion."  And  he  might  have  added, 
that  it  could  subsist  a  great  deal  better  without  than  with  it. 

*  When  the  Quakers  in  Pennsylvania  did  something  like  persecuting  the 
Keithians,  Holme,  a  Baptist  Judge  or  Justice,  on  the  bench,  opposed  it. —  Vide 
Mr.  Edward's  Matt.  Vol.  1st,  p.  56. 

t  It  is  not  here  meant  that  those  referred  to,  were  greater  than  those  now  on 
the  ministerial  stage  for  natural  powers  of  mind,  much  less  for  literary  im- 
provement, but  for  powerful  evangelical  preaching. 


A   CENTURY   SERMON.  463 

able  revivals  and  seasons  of  the  refreshment  since  the  above, 
and  that  in  many,  or  rather  in  all  the  States,  particularly 
in  Virginia,  the  Carolinas,  Kentucky,  &c.,  of  which  we  have 
not  room  to  speak  at  large,  and  shall  only  observe  that 
there  have  been  within  those  three  or  four  years,  and  even 
now  are,  considerable  revivals  in  Taunton,  Norton,  Aure- 
lius.  Providence,  Addison,  Columbia,  Stuben,  Upper  Canada, 
Marlborough,  St.  Andrew's,  Hamilton,  Suffield,  Bristol, 
Colchester,  Wardsborough,  Windham,  Winhall,  Straton, 
Wilmington,  Granville,  Lyme,  Philadelphia,  Lower  Dublin, 
Southampton,  and  in  many  j)laces  in  Virginia,  the  Caro- 
linas, Georgia,  &c.,  wherein  multitudes  have  been  baptised. 
Rev.  Henry  Taler,  in  Virginia,  baptised  above  400  in  little 
better  than  one  year,  135  in  one  day.  Glory  to  God  for 
those  refreshing  showers  of  grace. 

About  forty  years  ago  the  Methodist  society  took  root 
among  us,  under  the  labors  of  Messrs.  Pilmore,  Boardman, 
and  many  others,  who,  for  the  time,  by  their  diligence  and 
zeal,  have  certainly  been  very  successful,  at  least  as  to  re- 
spectability of  numbers,  and  a  very  considerable  reforma- 
tion of  manners,  and  there  is  reason  to  hope,  that  a  real 
work  of  grace  has  taken  place  among  them  to  a  considera- 
ble extent. 

The  many  other  religious  societies  are  also  progressing  in 
numbers,  weight  and  influence ;  serving  we  hope,  our  com- 
mon Lord  and  Master,  according  to  the  light  they  have  re- 
ceived; on  whom,  as  on  all,  may  the  Lord  shine,  to  give 
the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  his  glory  in  the  face  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

What  shall  we  say  of  the  missionary  spirit,  that  has  for 
some  years,  and  more  especially  of  late,  prevailed  in  many 
places,  and  among  different  societies,  with  a  view  to  spread 
the  knowledge  of  the  gospel  and  the  way  of  salvation 
among  the  heathen  in  various  parts,  as  well  as  among 
Christians  in  places  destitute  of  the  means.  Whether  the 
latter  does  not  merit  the  greater  attention  we  pass  over, 


464  A   CENTURY   SERMON. 

only  observing,  that  it  is  thought  it  has  been  attended  with 
more  success  and  far  less  expense.* 

rime  would  fail  us  to  cross  the  Atlantic  and  recount  the 
displays  of  divine  power  and  grace  among  them,  Avithin  the 
period  we  are  speaking  of,  especially  in  Great  Britain,  that 
favored  isle, — so  highly  favored  j)articularly  for  the  know- 
ledge of  divine  things,  promoted  among  them  b}^  the  min- 
istry of  the  word,  and  by  writing.  Whether,  with  reference 
to  the  last,  they  are  not  now  rather  stationary,  since  that 
great  luminary  Doctor  Gill  has  finished  his  course,  we  leave. 
Be  that  as  it  may,  it  would  seem  that  knowledge,  civil  and 
religious  hberty,  and  with  them  religion  itself  are  tending 
westward.  With  the  sun  they  rose  in  the  East,  after  a 
course  of  ages  crossed  the  Atlantic,  and  it  is  likely  will 
progress  westward  until  they  reach  the  Pacific  Ocean,  civil- 
izing and  making  happy  this  western  hemisphere  in  their 
course. 

We  mentioned  awhile  ago  the  names  of  some  in  the 
ministry,  that  were  eminent  in  their  day  for  talents,  piety 
and  usefulness,  who  now  rest  from  their  labors,  and  "  their 
works  do  follow  them." 

At  this  time  also  there  are  not  a  few  among  us  in  the 
sacred  office,  of  distinguished  worth,  not  so  much  for  their 
literary  acquirements,  as  for  what  is  of  infinitely  more  value 
in  promoting  pure  undefiled  religion  before  God — namely, 
true  piety,  ardent  zeal,  ministerial  gifts,  and  indefatigable 
diligence,  and  faithfulness  in  saving  the  souls  of  men  and 
promoting  the  kingdom  of  our  Redeemer. j- 

*The  Massachusetts  Baptist  Missionary  Magazine,  published  quarterly,  and 
•which  merits  high  encomium  and  support,  gives  us  very  pleasing  intelligence 
of  the  success  of  missionaries  east  of  Penobscot  river,  in  Nova  Scotia,  back 
parts  of  the  State  of  New  York,  Upper  Canada,  &c. 

One  of  their  missionaries,  Rev.  Isaac  Case,  in  a  short  time  baptised  205,  and 
constituted  six  churches. 

t  The  Baptists,  as  a  society,  have  never  considered  the  higher  branches  of 
learning  as  essential  to  the  gospel  ministry,  and  there  is  no  doubt  but  the  sen- 
timent is  perfectly  correct.  They  have,  nevertheless,  held  education  in  high 
esteem,  as  a  handmaid  to  grace,  and  have  always  had  not  a  few  among  them, 
that  ranked  pretty  high  for  literary  improvement  and  extensive  reading. 

In  the  year  1756,  the  late  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  M.  A.,  of  Hopewell,  in  New 


A    CENTURY   SERMON.  465 

Some  are  Boanerges,  sons  of  thunder,  qualified  to  lay  the 
axe  at  the  root  of  the  trees ;  to  awaken,  alarm,  and  strip 
sinners  of  their  carnal  hopes  and  self-dependence:  while 
others  are  sons  of  consolation,  fitted  to  apply  the  healing 
balm  of  gospel  grace,  and  mercy;  to  excite  faith  in  the 
merits  and  mediation  of  Christ,  and  lead  the  subject  of 
grace  to  rejoice  in  hope;  fitted  to  build  up,  comfort,  estab- 
lish and  edify  the  faithful,  leading  them  on  as  a  peculiar 
people  zealous  of  good  works ;  while  all  have  a  measure  of 
all  gifts,  as  God  has  distributed  to  all  by  the  same  Spirit. 
Of  these  there  are  a  few,  especially  Southward  and  East- 
ward* of  us,  the  force  of  whose  natural  genius  has  raised 
them  far  above  the  common  level,  whose  names,  for  obvious 
reasons,  we  for  the  present  suppress,  and 

Hail  the  sons  of  glory  when  they  set. 

Thus  when  we  look  back,  as  from  an  eminence,  on  what 

Jersey,  opened  a  Grammar  School  under  the  patronage  of  the    Philadelphia 
Baptist  Association. 

In  the  fall  of  1763,  the  writer  ot  these  sheets,  on  request,  repaired  to  New- 
port, in  Rhode  Island,  and  new-modelled  a  rough  draft  they  had  of  a  charter 
of  incorporation  for  a  college,  which  soon  after  obtained  Legislative  sanction. 
The  summer  following  the  institution  went  into  operation  under  the  Rev.  James 
Manning,  President,  at  Warren,  at  which  place  the  first  commencement  wag 
held  in  1769.  Two  years  after,  an  elegant  edifice  was  erected  at  Providence, 
and  the  institution  flourished  under  its  worthy  President,  the  late  renowned. 
Dr.  Manning,  as  it  did  since  his  death  under  President  Maxy,  and  does  now 
under  President  Mercer.  At  the  commencement  of  last  September,  twenty- 
nine  were  admitted  to  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts.  It  is  now  called  Brown's 
University,  in  honor  of  the  generous  Nicholas  Brown,  merchant,  of  that  place. 

The  writer  kept  a  boarding  school  between  twenty-nine  and  thirty  years,  at 
Lower  Dublin,  in  which  many  were  educated,  that  are  now  useful  in  the 
different  learned  professions. 

One  of  them,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Allison,  kept  a  large  Academy  under  his  sole 
direction,  at  Bordentown,  in  New  Jersey,  from  whence  issued  many  useful 
characters. 

The  Philadelphia  Baptist  Association  have  a  fund  for  the  education  of  young 
men  promising  for  the  gospel  ministry,  as  have  also  the  Charleston  Association. 

The  Baptists,  in  Georgia,  have  in  contemplation  to  erect  a  College  in  that 
State,  on  Mount  Enon,  at  the  distance  of  140  miles  from  the  Atlantic,  in  lati- 
tude 33  north,  on  an  elevation  of  200  feet  perpendicular,  accommodated  with 
salubrious  air,  and  two  fine  springs  that  issue  out  of  rocks  on  the  north  and 
west  sides. 

The  business  is  in  some  forwardness,  as  unsolicited  donations  already  amount 
to  about  five  thousand  dollars.  This  account  of  Enon  College  bears  date  of 
December,  1806. 

*  Of  these  my  good  and  intimate  friend,  the  late  Doctor  Samuel  Stillman,  of 
Boston,  was  one,  to  whose  memory,  memorable  as  it  was.  Doctor  Baldwin,  in 
the  funeral  discourse,  has  done  such  ample  justice.  It  would  be  well,  if  on 
Buch  occasions,  truth  was  always  so  strictly  attended  to. 

59 


466  A   CENTURY   SERMON. 

has  taken  place  within  a  small  compass,  in  the  course  of  the 
last  century,  in  promoting  the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah  in 
the  world,  we  see  a  glorious  accomplishment  of  the  pro- 
phecy in  the  text,  and  if  we  look  forward,  a  still  more  glo- 
rious prospect  lies  before  us. 

Before  another  century  will  revolve,  before  another  op- 
portunity will  offer,  of  delivering  another  discourse  on  the 
like  occasion  with  the  jDresent,  we  hope  and  expect,  that 
the  latter  day  of  glory,  the  spiritual  reign  of  Christ,  will 
commence,  in  comparison  of  which,  what  we  have  seen, 
however  glorious,  can  be  but  a  prelude,  a  faint  shadow. 

We  have  indeed  lately  seen  a  whole  church  with  its 
ministry,*  as  it  were  a  whole  town,  turn  from  will-worship 
to  the  apostolic  practice,  in  a  manner  with  one  consent. 
This  was  great  and  remarkable,  I  confess,  for  our  day  and 
time.  But  how  much  greater  and  more  glorious  will  it  be, 
when  superstition  and  false  coloring  of  Scripture  shall  cease, 
when  the  Lord  Jesus  thall  destroy  every  species  of  anti- 
christ with  the  sj)irit  of  his  mouth  and  the  brightness  of 
his  comuig,  when  his  ancient  people  the  Jews  shall  be 
brought  in,  together  with  the  fullness  of  the  gentile  world  j 
in  one  word,  when  a  nation  shall  be  born  in  a  day.  Should 
it  enter  the  mind  of  any  that  this  is  a  figurative  expression, 
we  grant  it  may  be  so  :  but  then  if  it  be,  it  is  such  an  one 
as  denotes  something  very  great  and  glorious  indeed ;  nor 
is  there  room  to  doubt,  but  the  power  of  God  is  able  to 
bring  that  saying  to  pass  literally.  May  the  Lord  hasten 
and  accomplish  his  holy  purposes  to  the  praise  of  his 
glory. 

The  glorious  day  sj)oken  of  will  be  the  time  of  the  Lord's 
reformation.  The  reformation,  which  has  been  so  much 
gloried  in  was  but  a  poor  piece  of  business,  although  it  has 
been  attended  with  valuable  consequences.  The  reformers 
shook  off  the  Papal  yoke,  but  in  the  main  retained  its 
principles  and  spirit.     They  did  not  estabhsh  the  right  of 

*  This  refers  to  the  Rev.  Daniel  Merril,  of  Maine.     That  of  N.  Dodge,  at 
Lebanon,  in  Connecticut,  is  not  very  dissimilar. 


A   CENTURY   SERMON.  467 

free  inquiry,  liberty  of  conscience,  and  the  word  of  God  as 
the  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice :  but,  on  the  other  hand, 
opposed,  restrained  and  suppressed  every  attempt  to  pro- 
mote a  thorough  reformation.  They  were  influenced  by 
worldly  motives,  connected  religion  with  worldly  establish- 
ments, were  the  abettors  of  tyranny  and  ojDpression,  and 
even  of  persecution  by  fire  and  the  sword.  But  we  look 
for  a  far  different  reformation.  The  Lord  will  come,  and 
will  not  tarry.     Let  us  wait  for  him. 

Having  thus,  my  brethren,  laid  before  you  our  original 
state,  and  the  progress  made  within  our  compass,  and  then 
extended  our  views  to  our  brethren  in  the  Union ;  and 
having  said  a  few  words  in  regard  to  the  state  of  religion 
among  other  societies,  it  may  now  be  time  to  draw  towards 
a  conclusion.  But,  before  I  close,  I  shall  take  the  liberty  to 
say  a  few  words  with  reference  to  the  nature  of  our  subject. 

Some  may  say,  that  we  have  talked  too  much  about  our 
numbers,  and  that  it  looks  rather  like  boasting.  I  would 
inquire  of  such,  whether  it  would  not  be  more  candid  in 
them,  to  consider  it  as  exulting  in  the  riches  of  divine 
grace  and  goodness.  If,  however,  we  may  not  speak  of  the 
great  things  God  has  done  for  us,  without  being  charged 
with  boasting,  then  let  us  determine  with  the  Apostle,  that 
no  man  shall  stop  us  of  this  boasting.  Li  the  Lord  we  will 
triumph,  and  in  his  salvation. 

That  our  subject,  however,  is  dry,  and  does  not  admit  of 
much  fervor  and  devotion  is  readily  granted.  It  does  not 
call  for  that  pathos  which  the  common  subjects  of  the  sacred 
desk,  not  only  allow,  but  often  require. 

To  speak  of  the  deplorable  state  of  man  under  the  wrath 
of  God,  and  the  sentence  of  condemnation ;  to  display  the 
unsearchable  riches  of  the  grace  and  love  of  God  in  the 
way  of  recovery  and  salvation  through  Jesus  Christ ;  to 
describe  the  work  of  the  Spirit  in  taking  the  things  of 
Christ  and  showing  them  unto  us,  his  work  of  conversion 
and  sanctification ;  to  paint  the  awful  process  in  the  great 
day,  and  finally  the  irrecoverable  perdition  of  the  ungodly, 


468  A   CENTUKY   SERMON. 

and  the  glory  and  felicity  of  the  righteous ;  these  are  sub- 
jects that  will  admit,  and  even  call  for  animation.  Here  the 
preacher  may  well  glow  with  ardor,  and  the  hearer  feel  an  in- 
terest. These  subjects,  when  accompanied  with  divine  power, 
will  melt  the  affections,  bow  the  will,  and  mend  the  heart. 

But  if  our  subject  does  not  rise  to  the  height  of  those 
now  mentioned,  it  is  nevertheless  well  worth  while,  to 
devote  one  hour,  once  in  an  hundred  years  at  least,  to  re- 
view the  ways  and  doings  of  God  with  his  church  and  peo- 
ple, in  accomplishing  the  purposes  and  decrees  of  his  grace 
and  goodness. 

Such  contemplation  may  be  of  advantage  to  us,  not  only 
for  present  satisfaction,  but  because  it  tends  to  call  forth 
into  exercise  the  best  powers  and  faculties  of  the  soul,  and  to 
excite  to  action  the  graces  of  the  Spirit  there  implanted. 

Here  we  are  led  to  exult  and  triumph  in  his  power  and 
goodness.  In  this  contemjDlation  our  gratitude,  thanksgiv- 
ing and  praise,  those  heavenly  exercises,  will  be  most  power- 
fully moved.  From  what  has  been  done  in  the  accomplish- 
ment of  his  promises,  we  are  led  to  hope  for  the  fulfillment 
of  those  that  remain,  we  are  led  to  a  steadfast  confidence 
in  him,  who  has  said,  "  And  lo,  I  am  with  you  always,  to 
the  end  of  the  world  f  and  that  no  weapon  formed  against 
Zion  shall  prosper. 

Every  device  of  man  to  unite  the  church  and  the  world 
must  come  to  naught.  For  the  Redeemer  has  said,  "  My 
kingdom  is  not  of  this  world."  Human  schemes  and  policy 
will  not  long  avail.  The  church  will  shortly  come  up  out 
of  the  wilderness. 

In  the  spirit  of  true  piety  and  ardent  affection  it  is  fit  we 
should  therefore  join  in  the  general  chorus  of  the  redeemed 
throng  through  all  ages,  saying,  "  Come  Lord  Jesus,  come 
quickly." 

Let  us  then  unite  with  one  heart  and  voice  in  ascribing 
"  honor  and  glory,  praise  and  power,  might,  majesty  and 
dominion  to  him  that  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  to  the 
Lamb  forever  and  ever."     Amen. 


Date  Due 


